Women's Health

Once again, MSDC is bringing together physicians of all specialties, healthcare leaders and District government officials to celebrate the healthcare community at the Capital Healthcare Honors on Friday evening, May 5, 2023, at the National Press Club. Registration for the uplifting annual DC physician awards celebration is now open at www.msdc.org/CHH.

Among this year’s honorees, two share the specialty of Obstetrics/Gynecology and a dedication to service, but they are unique in their service to the community and the Medical Society.  

• Dr. Constance Bohon will be receiving the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award, given in recognition of outstanding public service to the community, for her work on women’s health and maternal health.
• Dr. John Larsen will be recognized posthumously with the Distinguished Service Award, given in recognition of service to the Medical Society, for his mentorship of physician leaders and service to the Medical Society.

Get to know these physicians better below. Don’t forget to register before the early bird deadline!

Constance Bohon, MD, FACOG

Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award (in recognition of outstanding public service to the community)

Dr. Constance Bohon is a local and national health leader who has served her community with vigor and compassion. MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, called her “a powerful, steadfast advocate for women and infants, especially in underserved communities.” She is an Ob/Gyn who has not only served numerous patients in the District for more than 25 years, but she has also continuously called for awareness and action on public health issues in service to the community.

Most notably, she marshaled her clinical expertise and advocacy leadership to raise awareness of and demand action on DC’s maternal mortality crisis, leading the District to establish a dedicated work group to evaluate maternal mortality in the District. Dr. Bathgate said, “Her unrelenting concern for health justice and her advocacy expertise were instrumental to the formation of the District’s maternal mortality review committee.”

She has long been advocating for patients in the District and serves as Co-chair of the Legislative and Liability Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  In addition to her leadership on maternal mortality, she has worked to ensure maternity care coverage and protect reproductive health. Her public service to the community has bettered the lives of many Washingtonians.

John W. Larsen, MD, FACOG, FACMG

John Larsen, MD (posthumous) – Distinguished Service Award (in recognition of service to the Medical Society)

Dr. John W. Larsen, who served as president of the Medical Society in 2014-2015 and on the MSDC Board of Directors, had “long-lasting affection for the Medical Society and its central role for the DC physician community and physician voice,” according to MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD. He was passionate about delivering quality, team-based care for the diverse patients of the District of Columbia.

MSDC President Susanne Bathgate, MD, said that “Dr. John Larsen had a legacy of mentorship and service to the physicians of Washington, D.C. As a mentor to many, myself included, he imparted his love for the profession and his abundant humor and good nature.” He embraced the concept of servant leadership that “you succeed if you help others to succeed.” Dr. Larsen mentored and trained many District physicians, especially Ob/Gyns, through his decades-long tenure at The George Washington University, where he achieved the status of Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

He deeply respected the profession of medicine, which he saw as a calling and a community.  During his MSDC Board tenure, he encouraged physicians to take advantage of patient advocacy and leadership opportunities in the Medical Society. At GW Hospital, he is credited with helping to expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based obstetric care. Dr. Larsen is remembered for his spirit of service, community, curiosity, leadership, and good humor.

This award is being given posthumously.