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!
Ending the Groundhog’s Day Dynamic for Gender Equity in Medicine
When it comes to gender equity in the workplace, there is a Groundhog’s Day dynamic for many women physicians. Pay gaps, burnout, work-life imbalance and disproportionate family responsibilities continue to resurface for women in medicine. Moreover, workplace phenomena like remote work, “quiet quitting,” or the “great breakup,” which have helped other workers achieve work-life balance, have largely escaped female physicians. However, there is an opportunity to end the Groundhog’s Day dynamic for women physicians through recognition and action.
RECOGNIZE WOMEN PHYSICIANS
Tomorrow, February 3, is National Women Physicians Day, a day to recognize the achievements of women physicians. MSDC is hosting a special woman-led chocolate tasting event to celebrate women physicians. MSDC encourages everyone to take the opportunity on National Women Physicians Day to thank a woman physician, applaud the contributions of women physicians, and recognize that women physicians face unique challenges.
MSDC is fortunate to have many outstanding women physician leaders in its membership. Below are female physicians in MSDC’s leadership and we thank them for their commitment to the Medical Society.
- Dr. Susanne Bathgate – MSDC President and former Board chair
- Dr. Desiree Pineda – MSDC Board Chair and former MSDC president
- Dr. Kirstiaan Nevin – MSDC Immediate Past President
- Dr. Theresa Stone – MSDC Board member
- Dr. Meghan Schott – MSDC Board member
- Dr. Jaya Kasaraneni – MSDC Women in Medicine Section, Chair
- Dr. Monika Masanam – MSDC Women in Medicine Section, Resident Co-chair
- Dr. Angela Wu – MSDC Early Career Physicians Section, Resident Co-chair
TAKE ACTION FOR WOMEN PHYSICIANS
MSDC is taking action to support women physicians and you are invited to join us in the following ways.
- Join MSDC’s Women in Medicine Section. Whatever your level of interest, there are opportunities to participate in this engaged member section. Learn more.
- Mentor a female physician trainee. One area where women continue to make strides is their growing numbers in medical school. You can help that growing population navigate the profession of medicine by sharing your expertise as a mentor.
- Participate in MSDC’s Gender Equity Task Force. The Task Force is already underway in its work to address gender-based disparities in the District, but there are still opportunities to get involved in this issue. Learn more.
You may also reach out to MSDC and let us know what you are doing.
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.