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
Advocacy News
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MSDC President Susanne Bathgate Calls for License Reciprocity “ASAP” – and Gets It
March 15, 2023
The DC Board of Medicine announced today that a regional reciprocity agreement has been reached in the DMV.
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DC Physicians Prior Auth Push Gets Response
March 15, 2023
Physician letter asking for a prior authorization reform hearing led to almost immediate results.
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Two Ob/GYNs Selected as Capital Healthcare Honorees
March 7, 2023
Drs. Constance Bohon and John Larsen share the specialty of Obstetrics/Gynecology and a dedication to service, but they are unique in their service to the community and the Medical Society. They are both being recognized at the 2023 Capital Healthcare Honors on Friday, May 5.
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What MSDC Said at the DC Health Oversight Hearing
March 2, 2023
Dr. Bathgate testified before the Committee on Health with priorities for DC Health to consider in the coming year.
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