Advocacy
The Medical Society of DC advocates every day for the right and ability of District physicians to practice medicine. We want you to help your patients and their families using your medical knowledge with minimal government interference.
MSDC advocacy happens at many different levels:
- We work with the Council of DC, especially the Committee on Health, to shape legislation to benefit the practice of medicine
- We work with our partners in the District executive branch to ensure health regulations are proactive on public health, protective of physician right to practice, and reasonable on who can practice health care.
- With the American Medical Association and national specialty societies, we lobby Congress and the Administration to ensure national health policy does not negatively impact physicians.
- Partnering with the AMA Litigation Center, we file amicus briefs and legal suits to protect physicians and reasonable health care practices.
Learn more about our work and successes below or using the links in the menu.
Resources for MSDC Advocacy
On December 5, 2022, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 25th Council period. You can see them here.
MSDC has different levels of support for legislation. Learn more about the MSDC Advocacy Rankings.
Learn more about MSDC's Advocacy Curriculum and how you can prepare to advocate for your profession and patients here.
Follow issues along with MSDC on our legislation tracking page seen here.
Learn more about MSDC's advocacy successes in the 24th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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DC Council Visit Day
June 17, 2024 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Calling all physicians, trainees, and medical students. MSDC is giving you an opportunity to meet with DC Councilmembers and share your perspective. -
MSDC December Board Meeting
December 4, 2023 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The final scheduled 2023 meeting of the MSDC Board of Directors -
MSDC Council Visit Day
November 3, 2023 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
John A Wilson BuildingMSDC is holding an in-person day of member meetings with Council offices - and you are invited.
Advocacy News
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What Wins The Physician Community Got in the HORA Revision Bill
May 8, 2024
Working together across specialties, the bill to update DC health licensing and regulation had some major improvements amidst some concerning changes
Continue Reading -
Report Finds Physician Pay Rise in 2023 Offset By Medicare Cuts and Inflation; Pay Inequities Linger
May 7, 2024
Modest physician pay increases are offset by economic factors and are not experienced by all. MSDC to launch a gender pay equity survey.
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MSDC Launches Advocacy Discussion Groups
May 6, 2024
The subcommittees of the Advocacy Committee focus on health equity, private practice, and scope of practice.
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MSDC Sends Sign-On Letter Opposing Scope Changes
May 2, 2024
The letter, signed by numerous DC physicians, reiterates the physician community's concern with legislation updating the HORA.
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