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 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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Advocacy Forum with Ward 4 CM Janeese Lewis George
October 13, 2021 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Get to know Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, who serves on the Committee on Human Services, Special Committee on COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery, and other important Council committees. -
Advocacy Forum: The DC Medicaid Situation
September 29, 2021 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Online eventMSDC will hold a townhall for members to learn the latest on the MCO situation and how they can make their voice heard for an equitable solution for patients and providers. -
Member Townhall on Vaccine Mandates
August 3, 2021 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Join the MSDC leadership and share your thoughts on vaccine mandates in healthcare settings.
Advocacy News
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Big Prior Auth Win in Health Budget: What's Next
May 15, 2024
A budget addition will ensure all insureds will benefit from the District's prior auth bill.
Continue Reading -
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.
Continue Reading -
MSDC Launches Advocacy Discussion Groups
May 6, 2024
The subcommittees of the Advocacy Committee focus on health equity, private practice, and scope of practice.
Continue Reading