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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.
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Resources for MSDC Advocacy
On December 9, 2024, the MSDC Board approved its advocacy priorities for the 26th 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 25th Council period.
Advocacy Events
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Effective Advocacy Within the AMA
May 28, 2025 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
OnlineLearn how you can make positive change for medicine with the American Medical Association. -
Physicians Visit the DC Council Day
May 7, 2025 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
John A. Wilson Building or onlineJoin the DC physician and medical student community in meeting with DC Council members. Join us in-person or on Zoom. -
Private Practice Physician Social and Conversation on Advocacy
October 1, 2024 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Join DC area private practice leaders for a reception followed by a conversation on advocacy for our community.
Advocacy News
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What You Need to Know on Certificate of Need Bill
February 19, 2025
Private practices will soon not need to worry about routine changes triggering a certificate of need review.
Continue Reading -
Congress Considering Reducing DC Medicaid Match - Why You Need to Pay Attention
February 5, 2025
A Congressional proposal to slash DC's Medicaid match specifically could seriously harm care in DC.
Continue Reading -
The Healthy Physician Foundation Announces Inaugural Winner of the Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Healthcare Technology Award
January 30, 2025
Caretaker Medical and its VitalStream platform represents a new way to use technology to enhance patient care and physician wellness.
Continue Reading -
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt and Dr. Michael Weinstein announced as 2025 award winners
January 14, 2025
The former DC Health Director and longtime physician practice leader join Dr. Lisa Boyle and Dr. Ketih Egan as 2025 Capital Healthcare Honors award winners.
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