Early Career Physicians

Special Address

The Medical Society of the District of Columbia is honored and delighted to share that Dr. Peter Marks will be the guest speaker at the 2025 MSDC annual meeting. His speech will touch on the primary role of practicing physicians in public health.

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D.

Peter Marks received his graduate degree in cell and molecular biology and his medical degree at New York University and completed Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Medical Oncology training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has worked in academic settings teaching and caring for patients and in industry on drug development. 

In 2012, he joined the Food and Drug Administration and served as Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research from 2016 to 2025. During that time, he was integrally involved in the response to several public health emergencies and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2022. He has published extensively and is a member of multiple professional societies. He is currently working as an independent consultant.

Recent interviews and news
PBS News: Breakthrough gene editing treatment helps child born with rare disorder

NY Times: Baby is Healed with World's First Personalized Gene-Editing Treatment

Capital Healthcare Future Forum

Ayanna Bennett, MD, MSPH, FAAP, is the Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) and a servant leader. She is proud to stand alongside the many other dedicated public professionals at DC Health. During her over twenty-year public health career, she has addressed health disparities and contributed to systemic changes to improve public health with sincerity, bold determination and dedication.

Dr. Bennett's work is guided by her commitment to data informed decision-making, operationalizing health equity, and supporting community driven initiatives. These commitments form the foundation of her goal to create a healthier and more equitable District of Columbia.

Early in her career, Dr. Bennett co-founded the 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic, a community-based nonprofit serving young people in Bayview, California. She initially served as Medical Director and later as Executive Director, showcasing her commitment to community health. In 2016, Dr. Bennett joined the San Francisco Department of Public Health as the first Director of Interdivisional Initiatives. In this role, she spearheaded initiatives that integrated department resources, including research, education, community engagement, and healthcare delivery. Since being appointed by Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and unanimously confirmed by the Council of the District of Columbia in late 2023, Dr. Bennett has been working to improve healthcare quality and population health. Her approach encompasses various strategies such as research, education, community involvement, and healthcare provision, all with a focus on promoting health equity and racial equality within the diverse fabric of Washington, D.C.

Drawing from her educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, a Master of Science from UC Berkeley's School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Medicine from the UC San Francisco, where she completed her pediatric residency, Dr. Bennett brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and compassion to her work.

Dr. Bennett recognizes the challenges ahead but remains committed to working with community members and stakeholders to pursue a healthier and fairer future for all residents of the District.

Capital Healthcare Future Forum

Biography coming soon.

MSDC President, 2024-2025

Bio coming soon.

MSDC President 2025-2026

Bio coming soon