FAQ's

The following are questions and answers about MSDC membership and related activities impacting DC-area physicians, their patients and vendors that have products/services for physicians:

What is the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC)?

The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) is part of the federation of state, county and specialty medical societies that make up the American Medical Association. Founded in 1817 and chartered by an Act of Congress in 1819, MSDC has approximately 2,500 physician and medical student members.

MSDC is dedicated to the well being of physicians and their patients in metropolitan Washington. We advocate on behalf of our member physicians of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds; we promote high standards of character and professionalism; and we ensure that physicians are—and are recognized as—the primary professionals who define and guarantee high-quality, appropriate, and cost-effective medical care. Above all, we aggressively defend the highest principle of all—the integrity of the physician-patient relationship.

Why should I join MSDC?

MSDC advocates for physicians and their patients, most recently supporting legislation that would require all health plans to pay promptly and to use the same referral form and credentials application.

MSDC holds health plans accountable for actions that are anti-physician and anti-patient.

MSDC publishes the newsletter, MSDC Newsline, which includes timely news on medical society activities and DC-area health care information.

For more on what MSDC does for DC-area physicians, go to Join MSDC.

How much are MSDC membership dues?

Membership dues are paid annually in the fall and can be paid with a check or credit card. In addition, special "installment payments" can be arranged by request for categories of membership other than Student or Residents.

The first-year dues are as follows: $270 for physicians; $75 for residents; and $30 for students.

How do I join MSDC?

E-mail Barbara Allen, or call her at 202-355-9403, for a membership application.

When can I become an MSDC life member and be dues-exempt?

MSDC values our life members. They are physicians who are 70 years of age or older or have been members of MSDC for 40 years or more.

Do my dues include AMA membership?

Only Student and Resident dues include AMA membership.

How can I get involved in an MSDC committee, council or task force?

E-mail your request to MSDC Executive Director K. Edward Shanbacker. Go to Committees and Task Forces for information on the various MSDC groups.

How long should a physician’s office keep patient medical records?

MSDC follows the Maryland State Law, which requires a physician to keep patient records for five years. DC has no law for a physician to maintain patient records. MSDC has a brochure, "What You Need to Know About Medical Records," which can be sent to you. To get the brochure, contact Maureen Gaston.

Are there any opportunities for me to run a classified ad that will reach MSDC members? If so, how much does it cost?

MSDC members may run classified ads free of charge (50 words or less) in MSDC Marketplace, an advertising circular that mails with MSDC publications each month. Contact David Love for more information. Nonmember ads are also accepted. Nonmembers should contact David Love for advertising rates.

How can I find out more about the DC Board of Medicine?

Click here to access the DC Board of Medicine FAQs

What should I do if I have questions about my Controlled Substance Registration?

Call Marcia Wooden, Program Manager, Environmental Health Administration, 202-535-2076.

Consumer Questions

Can you refer me to a physician?

MSDC does not have a referral service and does not refer patients to physicians.

What should I do if I have a complaint to make about a physician or his office?

Through MSDC's peer review activities, ethical and grievance issues are addressed. Send your written complaint to: MSDC, attn: Department of Professional Standards, 1115 30th Street, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20007.

Other Questions

I am a vendor with products and services that would be of interest to DC-area physicians. How can I reach MSDC members?

MSDC has developed a Corporate Partner Program to allow companies and organizations to market their products and services to MSDC members. For detailed information on the program, contact Barbara Allen. Click here for information on current MSDC Corporate Partners