Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is a major public health issue in the District of Columbia. Sadly, many of the legislative and regulatory initiatives around behavioral health are tied to other public health concerns, such as opioid addiction, maternal mortality, and health equity.
In partnership with the Washington Psychiatric Society, AMA, and American Psychiatric Association (APA), MSDC works to ensure that patients receive appropriate support for behavioral health issues, that the practice of psychiatry is supported in the District, and that psychiatrists are available to patients in the District.
MSDC was a proud supporter of the Behavioral Health Parity Act of 2017, which enshrined into law that all health plans offered by an insurance carrier meet federal requirements of the Wellstone/Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
MSDC Statements and Testimony of Behavioral Health Issues
25th Council period information coming soon
MSDC’s 2025 Capital Healthcare Honors Brings Community Together Around Excellence
On March 26, 2025, the Medical Society of DC held its 5th 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, recognized health system executives, private practice leaders, health tech entrepreneurs, and public health luminaries.
Over 150 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. Dock Winston hosted the event and introduced the special guests. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, the AMA President-Elect, tied together national health priorities and local DC initiatives and encouraged the District to adopt best practices in protecting physician wellbeing in credentialing and licensing.
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.
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Dr. Nesbitt is a worthy recipient solely for her work as the Director of DC Health during the pandemic, but was also recognized for her past and continuing work as a health equity advocate and leader.
Dr. Lisa Boyle received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for her distinguished service to the medical profession. Dr. Boyle rallied the staff at Georgetown before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to a higher level of excellence, and as president of the hospital is setting the standard for community health.
Dr. Keith Egan received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award for outstanding public service to the community. Dr. Egan is one of the physician leaders of Pride Medicine on Capitol Hill and has a long history of advocating for equitable care for patients in need.
Dr. Michael Weinstein received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the Medical Society. Dr. Weinstein is a visionary in sustainable private practice and for MSDC has been a long-time financial advisor, including serving as Treasurer and Finance Committee member.
Caretaker Medical is the inaugural Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Health Care Technology Award, presented to a company that is using technology in a new way to improve patient care and physician health. Caretaker has created a remote monitoring device that provides real-time health data with minimal physical restraint to the patient, allowing patients to move while giving the care team a steady stream of information.
The honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a volunteer committee. More information can be found at www.msdc.org/chh. Attendees were encouraged by Dr. Winston to contribute to MSDC's campaign to create care packages for DC medical students; more about that campaign can be found here.
Sample of Legislation MSDC is Tracking in Behavioral Health
(see the whole list of bills here)
What does it do? The bill requires licensed health providers to complete 2 hours of CME on suicide prevention, assessment, and screening.
MSDC position: MSDC opposes the bill as written as the language does not encourage physician wellbeing or sufficient awareness of suicide prevention.
Current status: The bill had a hearing with the Committee on Health on June 10.