
Advocacy
The Medical Society of DC advocates every day for the right and ability of District physicians to practice medicine. We want you to help your patients and their families using your medical knowledge with minimal government interference.
MSDC advocacy happens at many different levels:
- We work with the Council of DC, especially the Committee on Health, to shape legislation to benefit the practice of medicine
- We work with our partners in the District executive branch to ensure health regulations are proactive on public health, protective of physician right to practice, and reasonable on who can practice health care.
- With the American Medical Association and national specialty societies, we lobby Congress and the Administration to ensure national health policy does not negatively impact physicians.
- Partnering with the AMA Litigation Center, we file amicus briefs and legal suits to protect physicians and reasonable health care practices.
Learn more about our work and successes below or using the links in the menu.

Resources for MSDC Advocacy
On December 5, 2022, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 25th Council period. You can see them here.
MSDC has different levels of support for legislation. Learn more about the MSDC Advocacy Rankings.
Learn more about MSDC's Advocacy Curriculum and how you can prepare to advocate for your profession and patients here.
Follow issues along with MSDC on our legislation tracking page seen here.
Learn more about MSDC's advocacy successes in the 24th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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MSDC Members Only Advocacy Agenda Briefing
April 19, 2023 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
MSDC members - join us for our first members-only advocacy deep dive on issues you need to know before the Council. -
MSDC March Advocacy Committee Meeting
March 29, 2023 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The committee will discuss updates on the MSDC legislative and regulatory agenda, as well as get feedback from members. -
MSDC Advocacy Committee Meeting
January 12, 2023 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The committee will discuss issues what to expect and where to be most involved in the 25th Council period.
Advocacy News
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A $7 Trillion Problem - The Higher That Women Climb, the Further Behind They Fall
March 20, 2023
There is a gender pay gap between male and female physicians which negatively impacts society and the economy.
Continue Reading -
Health Committee Marks-up Copay Accumulator Bill
March 20, 2023
One of MSDC's top legislative priorities got closer to Council passage on Monday.
Continue Reading -
MSDC President Susanne Bathgate Calls for License Reciprocity “ASAP” – and Gets It
March 15, 2023
The DC Board of Medicine announced today that a regional reciprocity agreement has been reached in the DMV.
Continue Reading -
DC Physicians Prior Auth Push Gets Response
March 15, 2023
Physician letter asking for a prior authorization reform hearing led to almost immediate results.
Continue Reading