
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 9, 2024, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 26th 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 25th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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Oversight Hearing: DC HBX/DBH
February 12, 2021 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Committee on Health is holding an oversight hearing on two agencies -
Committee on Health Vaccine Oversight Hearing
January 29, 2021 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Committee on Health will have a hearing on the COVID vaccine rollout. -
Meet the New Councilmember: Christina Henderson
January 13, 2021 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Join MSDC for a special WHOW webinar with new Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-AL)
Advocacy News
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MSDC Launches Advocacy Discussion Groups
May 6, 2024
The subcommittees of the Advocacy Committee focus on health equity, private practice, and scope of practice.
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MSDC Sends Sign-On Letter Opposing Scope Changes
May 2, 2024
The letter, signed by numerous DC physicians, reiterates the physician community's concern with legislation updating the HORA.
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MSDC Raises Scope Creep and More with DC Board of Medicine
April 24, 2024
MSDC staff visited the Board's meeting to discuss further collaboration and share opinions on important health issues.
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ACT NOW: Join MSDC letter opposing scope changes
April 18, 2024
Sign on to the physician letter asking the Council to remove scope of practice changes to B25-545.
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