Be Active! At Annual Meeting, MSDC Leaders Urge Physicians to Stand Up for Profession October 9, 2026

MSDC members, guests, and DC leaders gathered at the historic University Club yesterday to celebrate the Society's annual meeting of members. Special guests included high-ranking physicians in the DC government, leaders from state and national medical societies, and multiple past MSDC presidents.

This year's event was more social to allow the community to reconnect after a stressful calendar year for the profession. A new closing reception with dessert, coffee, and open bar followed the usual open reception plus business meeting.

The meeting highlights included two speeches from MSDC leaders, a guest address from Dr. Marta Van Beek (AMA Trustee), and three special presentations. As part of the meeting, the Society announced two initiatives to honor leaders who passed away this year - Dr. Charles Epps Jr. and Dr. Terri Stone. In Dr. Stone's memory, the Healthy Physician Foundation will fund "Stone Soup and Beyond", a physician healthy cooking program that Dr. Stone herself began for the Society. In honor of "The Dean of MSDC Presidents", the Society and the Epps family are working on a special award to continue Dr. Epps' legacy of medical education excellence and advocacy.

In addition, Dr. Matthew Lecuyer presented Dr. Charles Samenow with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Samenow was announced as the award winner this spring, but was unable to attend the Capital Healthcare Honors due to previously scheduled business travel. 

As always, the highlight of the event was the remarks of the president and newly installed president. Dr. Lecuyer, the 2025-2026 president, used his remarks to emphasize the progress the Society has made over a challenging political year in building community and recognition of the role of physicians. Dr. Klint Peebles, the 2026-2027 President, spoke in his inaugural address of the need for physicians to speak on behalf of their profession and practices, and be not afraid to be bold in their advocacy. 

MSDC welcomed four new At-Large Directors to the Board plus four returning members and President-Elect Dr. Patience White. The Society also thanked Dr. Ashlee Williams, Dr. Desiree Pineda, and Dr. Neelam Khan for their service on the MSDC Board.

More information, pictures, and details about this event will be shared in the coming days.