MSDC Statement on Violent Protests in DC

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, MSDC Statements, and MSDC Testimony on Health Equity Issues

24th Council session information coming soon.

MSDC Statement on Violent Protests in DC

Jan 10, 2021, 11:37 AM by MSDC Executive Committee

MSDC condemns violence and urges all who encourage it to step away from their public roles.

Statement from the MSDC Leadership

On January 6, the core of this nation was shaken by violent acts in our city. Once again, the District’s medical community stood ready throughout the day, to tend to the wounded, comfort the sick, and care for the dying. Unfortunately, all three situations confronted our community on Wednesday.

Last summer, MSDC issued a statement on the tragic death of George Floyd, stating in part: We also encourage everyone participating in a protest to protest peacefully to protect everyone's safety and to ensure that the real message is not overshadowed by acts of violence. Violence in the name of free speech carries consequences, and often the innocent and uninvolved pay the price. When terrorists, insurrectionists, and those intent on doing violence come into the District, the impact of their horrendous acts impact many. Healthcare workers, already putting forward heroic effort to combat the COVID epidemic, face additional trauma of fear for their lives, the safety of their loved ones, and the emotional trauma of unending emergency response.

Those not working to prevent or stop violent acts are complicit in this trauma. Everyone who calls healthcare workers heroes but then encourages violence in the District is a hypocrite who must remove themselves from the public stage immediately, for the safety and security our District and nation. This includes elected officials, regardless of their title. MSDC will never stop working to make the District a safe environment to practice medicine, as we have for 200+ years.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.