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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MSDC Advocacy Committee July Meeting
July 14, 2021 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Advocacy Committee will meet to discuss important legislation before the Council and Bowser Administration. -
MSDC Advocacy Committee May Meeting
May 26, 2021 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Advocacy Committee will meet to discuss important legislation before the Council and Bowser Administration. -
Advocacy Forum: What It's Like Testifying Before the Council
March 31, 2021 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
MSDC's March advocacy event will focus on testifying before the Council.
Advocacy News
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MSDC Board and DC Health Director Meet
December 12, 2023
MSDC's leadership met with DC Health's leadership to discuss areas of collaboration.
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Physician Community Speaks Loudly on Scope Bill
December 11, 2023
Many physicians testified on December 7 with concerns about a bill to change DC's scope of practice law.
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Nominations Open for 2024 MSDC Awards
November 9, 2023
You are encouraged to nominate individuals or organizations for the annual MSDC awards, to be given spring 2024.
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MSDC Commended for Lung Health Work by DC Council
November 8, 2023
Councilmember Brooke Pinto's resolution recognized the need for better lung health care and smoking cessation while praising MSDC's work on these issues.
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