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 Announces 2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees
2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees Are Leaders in Women’s Health, Health Equity, Healthcare Reform, and Mentorship
Washington, D.C., February 9, 2023 – The Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), the largest medical organization in the District representing metropolitan Washington physicians, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Capital Healthcare Honors, presented by MSDC. The awards ceremony and dinner will take place on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, where news happen, at the National Press Club, located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045.
The Capital Healthcare Honors is a gala event where healthcare and honor meet, and this year’s recipients are deserving of honor. The recipients are renowned for the work to improve public health in the areas of women’s health, health equity, and mentorship, and fight for healthcare reform. The event will bring together healthcare leaders and professionals from across metropolitan Washington to recognize the healthcare heroes and dignitaries who have strived to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession.
MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate said, “This year’s Capital Healthcare Honorees have a legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to medicine. The achievements of these physicians have been critical to the promotion and improvement of the health and wellbeing of our nation's capital.” Honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a panel of previous MSDC award winners.
The 2023 Capital Healthcare Honorees are:
Constance Bohon – Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award (in recognition of outstanding public service to the community)
Dr. Bohon is being recognized for her work on women’s health and maternal health, especially serving as an advisor to the District on maternal health issues.
John Larsen, MD (posthumous) – Distinguished Service Award (in recognition of service to the Medical Society)
Dr. Larsen is being recognized posthumously for his years of mentorship of physician leaders, including MSDC leaders, and service to the Medical Society.
Peter Lavine, MD – Certificate of Meritorious Service (in recognition of distinguished service to the medical profession)
Dr. Lavine is being recognized for his leadership on physician practice issues with MSDC and the AMA and for District residents.
James Taylor, MD – John Benjamin Nichols Award, presented by UnitedHealthcare (in recognition of outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community)
Dr. Taylor is being recognized for research into sickle cell disease and leadership of the groundbreaking work at Howard University’s Center for Sickle Cell Disease.
The awards will be presented on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The celebration will feature a full dinner, awards ceremony, and networking receptions. For information on the 2023 Capital Healthcare Honors, the 2023 Honorees, and how to attend or support the event, visit www.msdc.org/CHH.
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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