President Emanuel Asks for Physician Help with COVID Vaccine

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.

President Emanuel Asks for Physician Help with COVID Vaccine

Jan 20, 2021, 12:55 PM by EW Emanuel

MSDC President calls for physician help with vaccine confidence and volunteer opportunities.

Yesterday, DC Health Director Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt sent a letter to all licensed physicians in DC asking for your help with the COVID vaccine. Today, as president of the Medical Society and your colleague, I am asking the same.

We have heard that the primary source of trust for DC residents on the COVID vaccine is physicians. If your physician says the vaccine is safe and you should take it, residents tend to schedule their appointments.

Your voice matters in the COVID vaccine. I urge you to speak with your patients and encourage them to schedule a vaccine when they are eligible.

MSDC's vaccine website has a host of resources to help you feel comfortable speaking with your patients.

MSDC is also receiving requests for assistance - from both public and private entities - for medical professionals to assist with vaccinations.

MSDC is creating a list of physician volunteers to help with COVID vaccines. We are currently compiling options for all types of physicians (active, future, and retired) to assist, and there will be more opportunities in the coming weeks. For example, we know of one medical clinic that will need assistance in the near future with vaccinating people experiencing homelessness.

If you are interested in helping with distributing vaccines, either actually vaccinating or assisting in the process, please contact Robert Hay Jr. at hay@msdc.org or 202-466-1800 x101. We will share opportunities of interest as we are notified.

Thank you for your continued leadership during this pandemic. If MSDC can assist you, do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
E.W. Emanuel, MD
President, Medical Society of 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.