Important Issues

On March 13, 2024, the Medical Society of DC held a record-setting Capital Healthcare Honors awards gala and dinner recognizing outstanding contributions to the health of our nation’s capital. This year’s event, which was held at the National Press Club, was record-setting in terms of attendance, honorees, and community engagement. It had the largest attendance ever for this annual awards gala, the highest number of honorees, and marked the first time that a former DC Mayor received the John Benjamin Nichols Award, which was presented to the Honorable Vincent Gray. Other honorees were Dr. Gregrory Argyros, Dr. Walter Faggett, Dr. Raymond K. Tu, Bread for the City, and Produce Rx by DC Greens. The night highlighted their exemplary leadership, service, and achievement benefiting health care in Washington, D.C.

Over 200 members of the DC health care community attended, including elected officials, health system executives, specialty and medical society leaders, physicians, and health care professionals. MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel kicked off the evening recognizing the honorees, and past presidents Dr. Susanne Bathgate and Dr. Carla Sandy co-hosted. Dr. Willarda Edwards, member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, delivered an uplifting message emphasizing the importance of physician leadership and sustainability.

The awardees were distinguished healthcare leaders who have striven to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession. 

The Honorable Vincent Gray received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Having led the District as mayor, Committee on Health chair, and DC Council councilmember, Vincent Gray spearheaded numerous District health priorities including the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, prior authorization reform, and universal pre-K and birth-to-age-3 support.

Gregory Argyros, MD, received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for his distinguished service to the medical profession. Dr. Argyros was recognized for 12 years of leadership at MedStar Health and steering the organization’s growth in DC, especially Washington Hospital Center. 

Walter Faggett, MD, received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award for outstanding public service to the community. Dr. Faggett has a history of leadership with the National Medical Association, Medico-Chirurgical Society of DC, Ward 8 Health Council, and DC Department of Health, assisting with numerous DC health crises.

Raymond Tu, MD, received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the Medical Society. Dr. Tu, current MSDC Treasurer and AMA Delegate and MSDC President 2018-19 was recognized for his dedication to MSDC in fundraising, public health, and numerous other roles.

Bread for the City and Produce RX by DC Greens jointly received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. The two organizations have partnered to expand access to healthy foods in the District, especially east of the river. 

The honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a volunteer committee.  More information can be found at www.msdc.org/chh. A portion of the event proceeds will go towards MSDC work to support ProduceRx and MSDC’s Healthy Physician Foundation. Event supporters included Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, CaryHealth, MedStar Health, Nova Medical, Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Capital Digestive Care, EuroMotorcars, Janssen, Remedy Analytics, Bridgepoint Healthcare, Amerigroup DC, and AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia.