Dr. Ashesh Patel Statement on the Passing of Former MSDC President Dr. Eliot Sorel

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.

Dr. Ashesh Patel Statement on the Passing of Former MSDC President Dr. Eliot Sorel

Oct 16, 2024, 15:21 PM by MSDC Staff

The longtime DC psychiatrist was passionate about training the next generation of physicians, placing medicine in a global context, and advocating for physicians.

Washington, D.C. — October 16, 2024 — MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel released the following statement on the death of longtime MSDC member and past president Dr. Eliot Sorel.

“Dr. Sorel was a legend in the medical community. He never hesitated to offer advice and support to MSDC leaders and staff building on his years of experience in organized medicine. Dr. Sorel was always concerned about the future of medicine, and throughout his life supported medical students, residents, and fellows with programs and mentorship that proved invaluable in their careers. In addition, he always had a wider view of medicine and its place on the world’s stage, allowing MSDC to host internationally recognized events, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Medical Society of DC Board of Directors and staff extend to Dr. Sorel’s family and friends our heartfelt condolences on his loss. We also extend our condolences to our Washington Psychiatric Society colleagues, to whom he was a very dear friend and leader. At the 2024 annual meeting, we will hold a special moment of silence for Dr. Sorel and all those physicians who have passed away this year. We encourage all members to read his obituary and donate as appropriate to the causes his family identified.”

Dr. Sorel’s obituary can be found here.

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.