Help the Foundation Create Med Student Care Packages

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.

Help the Foundation Create Med Student Care Packages

Feb 26, 2025, 07:54 AM by Lily Da Pont

The Healthy Physician Foundation and MSDC are jointly raising money to create care packages for students at the three DC medical schools.

Medical school is known for its challenges—long hours, demanding coursework, and high levels of stress. It's no secret that the pressure can leave students feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and burnt out. Many members of MSDC, now practicing MDs and DOs, have experienced these very struggles as former medical students themselves. They understand firsthand the immense strain medical school can place on an individual.

The Healthy Physician Foundation wants to give back and show appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and resilience that medical students put into their education every day by organizing the Medical Student Appreciation Event—a special initiative designed to support students and ease the stress they face.

The Healthy Physician Foundation is collecting donations to purchase an assortment of care items: snacks, coffee, tea, energy drinks, gift cards, and other wellness items. These items will be delivered to medical students in the District, allowing MSDC and HPF to offer a tangible way to show our support for the future physicians who will one day care for our communities.

Although all donations are welcome, we have provided a few giving levels below:

$25 makes it possible for five students to get study snacks for a day
$50 makes it possible to caffeinate ten students for a day
$100 makes it possible for twenty students to unwind after an exam with some self care

How you can participate:

Donate at our campaign link here or email Lily Da Pont to pledge a check payment.

Use our campaign flier to share with colleagues and encourage them to donate

Donations will be accepted during the month of March, ending with National Doctors Day on March 30. HPF staff will purchase the items for the care packages and deliver them to the students.

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.