MSDC Launches Unconscious Bias in DC Medicine Survey

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

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MSDC Launches Unconscious Bias in DC Medicine Survey

Jul 16, 2020, 15:24 PM by MSDC Staff

MSDC today launched a new survey to discern how unconscious bias impacts medicine in the District.

Today, the Medical Society of DC launched a new survey to determine how unconscious bias may be impacting the practice of medicine in the District.

The survey was designed by the MSDC Unconscious Bias in Medicine Task Force. The Task Force, whose membership can be seen here, has a mission to determine if/how unconscious bias impacts the practice of medicine in the District and how the physician community can address these issues. The task force's first step is to launch the survey.

Take the survey here

The survey has four tracks: medical students, fellows/medical Residents, physicians/healthcare workers, and medical administrators. Upon answering the first question, the survey taker will be automatically taken to their correct batch of questions. On average, respondents take 2-4 minutes to complete their questions.

The Task Force will take the results of the survey and write an academic paper describing the results. They will also create white papers, templates, and other materials designed to help medical practices in the District combat unconscious bias and improve medical care in DC.

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.