Tech savvy and future focused? MSDC is looking for you

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.

Tech savvy and future focused? MSDC is looking for you

May 22, 2024, 10:30 AM by MSDC Staff

MSDC is seeking help from physicians to plan a future focused, technology based project to fund via a grant.

MSDC is pulling together a working group under the Wellbeing Think Tank to assist with a grant application.

The Society is submitting an application this fall for a grant focused on how technology can drive better healthcare outcomes. The application will include a proposal for new tech that will exist and be available to the larger healthcare workforce for multiple years. Participants in this working group will be able to continue working on the project after/if the grant is accepted; current personal or professional projects could be eligible for consideration for funding through the grant.

Virtual meetings will be held throughout the summer and fall at times convenient to participants. MSDC membership is required to formally participate, but non-MSDC members can serve as guest presenters.

For more information, contact Robert Hay at 2O2-466-18OO or hay@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.