Health Equity

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Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

 

MSDC Hosts First Unconscious Bias Task Force Meeting

Mar 19, 2020, 07:26 AM by MSDC Staff
MSDC's Unconscious Bias Task Force held its first meeting and set a course for its deliverables to the medical profession.

On Wednesday evening, MSDC convened its first meeting of its Unconscious Bias Task Force. The task force was created by the MSDC Board late last year to examine the issue of unconscious bias in medicine in the District, determine what impacts it has on healthcare delivery, and make recommendations to address the issue for the physician community.

In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the task force had a condensed meeting via Zoom. Chair Matthew Lecuyer, MD, of Children's National Hospital, thanked the participants and outlined his vision for the task force.

Among the items decided at this initial meeting:

  • The task force would create a white paper on the topic based on research, interviews, and discussions. The white paper would be released in early December with a draft available to share at the MSDC annual meeting.
  • Three key areas that will be consulted are undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education, and patient perspective.
  • The task force will seek to acquire survey data from different segments to guide their discussions.

The next meeting of the task force will be the week of April 6, with the exact date to be determined. Anyone interested in participating in the task force is encouraged to contact MSDC staff to learn more. The task force roster is below.

  • Tamika Augste, MD; Chair OBGYB Clinical Practice Council, MedStar
  • Kim Bullock, MD, FAAP; Chair, MSDC Task Force on Family Violence
  • Laurie Duncan, MBBS, FACP, MS; Member, MSDC Executive Committee and MSDC Physician Health Program
  • Isela Melendez-Carpio, M.Ed., Georgetown University School of Medicine
  • Alicia Khan; Medical Student
  • Marjorie Williams, MD
  • J. Desiree Pineda, MD, FACP; President, MSDC (ex officio)
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Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked 

 

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.