
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 8, 2020, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 24th 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.
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Who Are the Members of the District Council?
February 24, 2021
Learn who makes up the DC Council and how to best reach out to them on advocacy issues.
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MSDC Board of Directors Discusses Equitable Pay in Medicine, Unconscious Bias
February 23, 2021
The Board reviewed recommendations and reports on key initiatives including health equity in the medical profession.
Continue Reading
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Oversight Hearing: UMC/DMHHS/DHCF
March 4, 2021 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
MSDC members have an opportunity to testify on DC Medicaid, United Medical Center, and other medical policy issues. -
Oversight Hearing: DC Health
March 19, 2021 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Physicians have an opportunity to testify on DC Health's performance in 2020. -
Culturally Competent Conversations on the COVID Vaccine
April 7, 2021 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Join MSDC and our distinguished presenter Dr. Melissa Clarke for a conversation on culturally competent conversations around the vaccine.