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 Board Looks Back on Productive Past and Ahead to Bright Future
The Medical Society of DC Board of Directors met on Monday with an agenda full of planning for the year ahead but recognizing the achievements of the past 12 months.
For the second time, the Board met in a hybrid format. Board members in person got to visit the MSDC office on Pennsylvania Avenue while other Board members participated via Zoom.
As they do at every December meeting, the MSDC Board members elected their officers for the upcoming year. Annually, the Board votes on executive committee positions not elected by MSDC members and chosen from the members of the Board. The following individuals were elected by unanimous vote:
J. Desiree Pineda, MD - Chair, Board of Directors
Laurie Duncan, MBBS - Secretary
Raymond K. Tu, MD - Treasurer
Matthew Lecuyer, MD - At-large member of the Executive Committee
The meeting also had a guest presentation by American College of Physicians (ACP) Governor Shmuel Shoham, MD and DC Chapter Advocacy Chair Lawrence Klein, MD. Drs. Shoham and Klein outlined ACP-DC's priorities for the upcoming year and led a discussion on how MSDC and ACP-DC can collaborate on issues. Another guest was Physician Health Committee Chair Charles Samenow, MD, who updated the Board on the Committee's activities.
As part of the meeting, the Board discussed some of the achievements of the past year, including:
- Creation of a new Private Practice Physician Section
- Creation of an Advocacy Curriculum
- Introduction of MSDC Wellbeing App
- Surpassing 3,100 members
The next meeting of the Board of Directors is February 28, 2022, at MSDC's offices.
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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