Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
MSDC Announces 2022 Leadership Slate
Elections for the Board of Director positions of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) are now underway. MSDC’s elections provide members the ability to designate a slate of physician leaders to set the Society's strategic direction, provide leadership on organizational goals and policies, and advance MSDC’s stated vision of making our nation’s capital the best place to practice medicine. The results will be announced during MSDC’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Gala, taking place in-person and via livestream on October 29, 2021, at the AIA Courtyard near the White House.
MSDC President Dr. E.W. Emanuel stated that this year’s leadership slate, "has incredible depth and diversity. Their experience and leadership will serve the DC physician community well as we look towards the future.”
The nominees for the 2021 elections are:
President-elect – Susanne Bathgate, MD
AMA Delegate – Kirstiaan Nevin, MD
AMA Alternate Delegate - Neal Barnard, MD
At-large – Anthony Ibe, MD
At-large – Ashesh Patel, MD
At-large – Desiree Pineda, MD
At-large – Theresa Stone, MD
At-large – Dock Winston, MD
The ballot was selected by the MSDC Nominating Committee, which is composed of the MSDC President, President-Elect, and four non-Board members. In accordance with MSDC Bylaws, the ballot was distributed electronically to MSDC voting members on August 30, 2021. Voting members of the Medical Society have until midnight on October 8, 2021, to submit their ballots.
MSDC President Dr. Emanuel discourages members from waiting. He said, “I urge our voting members to support their fellow physicians and cast their ballot sooner than later.” Voting members who have questions regarding their ballot or have not received a ballot should contact Pia Duryea at duryea@msdc.org or 202-355-9414 for assistance.
For information on how to attend the installation of the new leadership on October 29, visit bit.ly/MSDC2021. In addition to the leadership installation, MSDC’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Gala will feature two networking receptions that are open to friends and guests of the MSDC membership. There will also be a VIP wine tasting, spirits tasting, and ghost tour supporting MSDC’s charitable endeavors.
Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.
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