MSDC Board Approves New Strategic Plan, Diversity Statement, and Member Model

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 Board Approves New Strategic Plan, Diversity Statement, and Member Model

Jun 27, 2023, 07:57 AM by MSDC Staff

The MSDC Board made key strategic decisions to ensure the Society's sustainability for years to come.

On June 26, the MSDC Board of Directors approved three major changes to MSDC governance. More information and impacts on MSDC members will be shared in the near future.

The Board approved a new strategic plan by a unanimous vote. MSDC last did strategic planning in 2017 and the new plan recognizes both the changes and continuing challenges the Society faces. You can see the new strategic plan here.
As part of the strategic plan, the Board also approved a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging statement. This is the first time MSDC has had such a statement. Created by a Board subcommittee and approved by the entire Board, the statement recognizes past mistakes but focuses on a more equitable future for DC medicine where all patients and physicians feel welcome.
Finally, the Board approved a new tiered membership plan for DC area physicians. For the first time, DC area physicians can choose between two different tiers of membership, both with different benefits and prices. The Board also approved new rates for MSDC membership in 2024. You can read more about those changes here.

The next MSDC Board of Directors meeting is September 18, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Members in good standing may request an invitation to attend by emailing hay [at] msdc.org.

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.