Health Equity
News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
MSDC’s 2024 Capital Healthcare Honors Breaks Records and Recognizes Excellence
On March 13, 2024, the Medical Society of DC held a record-setting Capital Healthcare Honors awards gala and dinner recognizing outstanding contributions to the health of our nation’s capital. This year’s event, which was held at the National Press Club, was record-setting in terms of attendance, honorees, and community engagement. It had the largest attendance ever for this annual awards gala, the highest number of honorees, and marked the first time that a former DC Mayor received the John Benjamin Nichols Award, which was presented to the Honorable Vincent Gray. Other honorees were Dr. Gregrory Argyros, Dr. Walter Faggett, Dr. Raymond K. Tu, Bread for the City, and Produce Rx by DC Greens. The night highlighted their exemplary leadership, service, and achievement benefiting health care in Washington, D.C.
Over 200 members of the DC health care community attended, including elected officials, health system executives, specialty and medical society leaders, physicians, and health care professionals. MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel kicked off the evening recognizing the honorees, and past presidents Dr. Susanne Bathgate and Dr. Carla Sandy co-hosted. Dr. Willarda Edwards, member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, delivered an uplifting message emphasizing the importance of physician leadership and sustainability.
The awardees were distinguished healthcare leaders who have striven to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession.
The Honorable Vincent Gray received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Having led the District as mayor, Committee on Health chair, and DC Council councilmember, Vincent Gray spearheaded numerous District health priorities including the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, prior authorization reform, and universal pre-K and birth-to-age-3 support.
Gregory Argyros, MD, received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for his distinguished service to the medical profession. Dr. Argyros was recognized for 12 years of leadership at MedStar Health and steering the organization’s growth in DC, especially Washington Hospital Center.
Walter Faggett, MD, received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award for outstanding public service to the community. Dr. Faggett has a history of leadership with the National Medical Association, Medico-Chirurgical Society of DC, Ward 8 Health Council, and DC Department of Health, assisting with numerous DC health crises.
Raymond Tu, MD, received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the Medical Society. Dr. Tu, current MSDC Treasurer and AMA Delegate and MSDC President 2018-19 was recognized for his dedication to MSDC in fundraising, public health, and numerous other roles.
Bread for the City and Produce RX by DC Greens jointly received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. The two organizations have partnered to expand access to healthy foods in the District, especially east of the river.
The honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a volunteer committee. More information can be found at www.msdc.org/chh. A portion of the event proceeds will go towards MSDC work to support ProduceRx and MSDC’s Healthy Physician Foundation. Event supporters included Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, CaryHealth, MedStar Health, Nova Medical, Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Capital Digestive Care, EuroMotorcars, Janssen, Remedy Analytics, Bridgepoint Healthcare, Amerigroup DC, and AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia.
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.