Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
MSDC Launches Healthy Physician App
On Friday, MSDC announced the launch of the newest wellness tool for DC area physicians - the Healthy Physician app. The app is available now in the App Store for Apple devices AND Google Play Store for Android devices.
The Healthy Physician app brings wellness, moral injury, and community resources for physicians directly to them. The app is health system agnostic so physicians do not need to worry that their interactions and data are being tracked by their employer. Instead, the content and resources are moderated by their community for them. The app was designed in partnership with Results Direct and through a grant from the Institute for Technology in Health Care.
Download the Apple app via the QR code below.
The app has features that allow physicians to connect with resources and each other when needed. Users can:
- Engage more meaningfully during wellness events (both in person and virtual)
- Watch wellness videos from MSDC and other sources
- Read wellness articles from MSDC and other sources
- Receive a brief wellness thought daily via push notification
- Connect with other physicians who you met or spoke with at an event (both in person and virtually)
- Arrange an appointment with a wellness professional through MSDC (Active members receive two free consultations)
- Connect with the Physician Health Program in case of addiction or behavioral health concerns.
You can view our guide to the app here. Download today and start putting your own wellbeing in the palm of your hand!
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.
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