Letter from 2004 President Lavine

Dear Member:

In 1817, alarmed by the growing number of "quacks, imposters, and charlatans," a group of physicians formed the Medical Society of the District of Columbia.  Paramount concerns were improving the District's contaminated water supply and the control of contagious diseases.  Almost two hundred years later, we remain concerned about the quality of the District's water supply and the control of tuberculosis, smallpox and anthrax, but the biggest threat to the health care delivery system is a medical liability crisis that grows worse daily.

To combat this threat, we made liability reform our top priority.  Working with the Mayor, we convinced him to introduce the Health Care Liability Reform Act of 2004.  It is a well-written, fair, balanced, and courageous bill that will end the current "lottery-style" medical liability system.  We have formed a "rapid-reaction" liability task force, which will lead a broad coalition that includes the DC Hospital Association, Board of Trade, the Insurance Commissioner, and others.  Passage of the Mayor's bill is the only way to stem the exodus of physicians from the District of Columbia, prevent further hospital closures, protect access to affordable health care for DC residents, prevent further erosion of our city's reputation as a leader in health care, and halt the flood of health care dollars and jobs out of the city.

Although medical liability reform is our number one priority, it is by no means our only advocacy effort: we joined the AMA to oppose the Medicare cuts and succeeded in a 5.9% net savings for physicians; we are working with the AMA to revise the Medicare prescription drug plan to actually lower the costs of drugs by allowing the safe re-importation of medications from overseas, and by allowing Medicare to collectively negotiate lower prices for medications; and, in response to physician complaints, we prompted the insurance commissioner to investigate the onerous business practices of Carefirst.

Also, in order to be more responsive to the needs and concerns of the membership, and to maximize the use of our limited resources, the Board of Trustees undertook an extensive strategic planning initiative.  The New MSDC will be leaner, more efficient, and a more responsive organization.

Next year, we must build on this momentum.  We must continue to grow MSDC membership, we must focus on passing liability reform legislation, and we must advocate for the health of our patients.  Ask not what MSDC can do for you, it is time that you ask what you can do for MSDC.  We can not be successful with a passive membership.  This is your Medical Society, your only local voice, your vehicle for change, and your responsibility.   Recruit new members. Donate personal time. Talk to patients about the importance of medical liability reform. And, provide resources to make your Medical Society stronger.  I challenge all of you to recruit three new members to help build the New MSDC.

This has been a year of promises made and promises kept.  The list of accomplishments is formidable and impressive. This Annual Report is full of examples of the Medical Society working on your behalf.  I want to specifically thank my colleagues on the Board, the MSDC staff, and especially Executive Director Edward Shanbacker, for their dedication and tireless work on your behalf.  It has been a great honor and a privilege to serve as your President.

Thank you,

Peter E. Lavine, MD, 2004 President