
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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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. -
July Advocacy Forum: Learn More About DOCPAC
July 28, 2021 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Learn more about DOCPAC and share your thoughts on its future before participating in our monthly advocacy forum. -
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.
Advocacy News
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MSDC Launches Compensation Survey for DC Physicians
June 6, 2024
The survey, for physicians of any gender identity, comes as yet another national survey shows a gap between male and female physician compensation
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Tech savvy and future focused? MSDC is looking for you
May 22, 2024
MSDC is seeking help from physicians to plan a future focused, technology based project to fund via a grant.
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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.
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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
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