Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
Two Ob/GYNs Selected as Capital Healthcare Honorees
Once again, MSDC is bringing together physicians of all specialties, healthcare leaders and District government officials to celebrate the healthcare community at the Capital Healthcare Honors on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, at the National Press Club. Registration for the uplifting annual DC physician awards celebration is now open at www.msdc.org/CHH.
Among this year’s honorees, two share the specialty of Obstetrics/Gynecology and a dedication to service, but they are unique in their service to the community and the Medical Society.
- Dr. Constance Bohon will be receiving the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award, given in recognition of outstanding public service to the community, for her work on women’s health and maternal health.
- Dr. John Larsen will be recognized posthumously with the Distinguished Service Award, given in recognition of service to the Medical Society, for his mentorship of physician leaders and service to the Medical Society.
Get to know these physicians better below. Don’t forget to register before the early bird deadline!
Constance Bohon, MD, FACOG
Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award (in recognition of outstanding public service to the community)
Dr. Constance Bohon is a local and national health leader who has served her community with vigor and compassion. MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, called her “a powerful, steadfast advocate for women and infants, especially in underserved communities.” She is an Ob/Gyn who has not only served numerous patients in the District for more than 25 years, but she has also continuously called for awareness and action on public health issues in service to the community.
Most notably, she marshaled her clinical expertise and advocacy leadership to raise awareness of and demand action on DC’s maternal mortality crisis, leading the District to establish a dedicated work group to evaluate maternal mortality in the District. Dr. Bathgate said, “Her unrelenting concern for health justice and her advocacy expertise were instrumental to the formation of the District’s maternal mortality review committee.”
She has long been advocating for patients in the District and serves as Co-chair of the Legislative and Liability Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In addition to her leadership on maternal mortality, she has worked to ensure maternity care coverage and protect reproductive health. Her public service to the community has bettered the lives of many Washingtonians.
John W. Larsen, MD, FACOG, FACMG
John Larsen, MD (posthumous) – Distinguished Service Award (in recognition of service to the Medical Society)
Dr. John W. Larsen, who served as president of the Medical Society in 2014-2015 and on the MSDC Board of Directors, had “long-lasting affection for the Medical Society and its central role for the DC physician community and physician voice,” according to MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD. He was passionate about delivering quality, team-based care for the diverse patients of the District of Columbia.
MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, said that “Dr. John Larsen had a legacy of mentorship and service to the physicians of Washington, D.C. As a mentor to many, myself included, he imparted his love for the profession and his abundant humor and good nature.” He embraced the concept of servant leadership that “you succeed if you help others to succeed.” Dr. Larsen mentored and trained many District physicians, especially Ob/Gyns, through his decades-long tenure at The George Washington University, where he achieved the status of Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
He deeply respected the profession of medicine, which he saw as a calling and a community. During his MSDC Board tenure, he encouraged physicians to take advantage of patient advocacy and leadership opportunities in the Medical Society. At GW Hospital, he is credited with helping to expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based obstetric care. Dr. Larsen is remembered for his spirit of service, community, curiosity, leadership, and good humor.
This award is being given posthumously.
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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