Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
MSDC Applauds MedStar Washington Hospital Center for Multiple Care Recognition
The Medical Society of DC congratulates MedStar Washington Hospital Center on once again achieving national ranking for Cardiology & Heart Surgery in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings. It is the only nationally recognized heart program of its kind in the Washington metropolitan area. MedStar Washington also received the highest rating possible in aortic valve surgery, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
“MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a District institution that has some of the world’s best medical professionals,” said MSDC President and MedStar Georgetown physician Dr. Kirstiaan Nevin. “While it is no surprise ‘Hospital Center’ continues to win recognition for its heart health care, we are proud it is receiving national attention for the care it provides to DC patients as well as patients from around the country.
“In the face of the numerous challenges facing all of us in health care, this progressive recognition of excellence remains a notable tribute to the remarkable teamwork and dedication of our physicians and associates who put our patient’s care and well-being first and foremost every day,” said Stuart F. Seides, MD, physician executive director of the MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute and 2001 MSDC President. “We continually strive to merit the trust of those patients, their families, their physicians, and the entire Washington regional community whom we are privileged to serve.
U.S. News also cited MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and Urology programs as “high-performing,” indicating a high score, although not achieving national rank. Seven other common procedures and conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, kidney failure, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, and stroke, received the highest ratings, too, in recognition of care that were significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.
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.