Looked After the Health and Welfare of DC Residents

Encouraged Mayor to Appoint "MD" as Health Director
MSDC was pleased that the Mayor listened to its standing request that the DC health director be an MD.  In August, Mayor Anthony Williams announced the appointment of Gregg A. Pane, MD, to the post.  Dr. Pane was installed in October.

Helped DOH Identify Need for and Availability of Flu Vaccine During Shortage
The Medical Society initiated a coordinate approach with the DC Department of Health's Immunization Program to gather data to identify where flu vaccine was located and where it was most needed.

Supported Rx4DC, Offering Low-Cost or Free Drugs to Lower Income District Residents
MSDC became a partner of Rx4DC to help DC physicians help their uninsured and underinsured patients acquire free or discounted prescription drugs.  Launched in May, Rx4DC is a single-point-of-entry for over 250 pharmaceutical company programs that offer free or discounted prescription drugs to persons who qualify.

Updated Members on Elevated Lead Levels in the DC Water Supply
When unhealthy levels of lead were found in some of the District's water supply, MSDC worked with the DC DOH to communicate important updates to DC physicians, and reminded health care professionals of their responsibility under the law to report normal and abnormal serum lead levels to the DOH.

Joined Cardiovascular and Diabetes Initiative to Improve Community Health
Promoted better health care for DC patients by working with the Network to Improve Community Health.  MSDC was a leader in the Network's Cardiovascular Initiative.  This is part of an ongoing effort that began with the Medical Society's involvement in the Network's Diabetes Initiative.

Participated in Teaching Efforts to Improve Patient Care
Partnered with the Delmarva Foundation on a quality improvement initiative that had physician volunteers participating in teaching efforts to improve care for patients in the District.

Worked with Mayor to Improve TB Clinic
Successfully engaged the Mayor's office to address serious issues with the TB Clinic, with a special focus on multi-drug resistance TB in the District.

Offered Monthly CPR Certification Courses
MSDC worked with KnowCPR to offer monthly CPR workshops so that DC physicians and their staffs could get certified or re-certified in the nationally recognized American Heart Association Certification Program.