Women's Health
MSDC has long advocated for women's health protections, the rights of women physicians, and affordable care for women's issues. MSDC works closes with ACOG, AAFP, AAP, and other specialty organizations to craft local legislation that allows DC to be the best place to practice women's and maternal medicine.
In the face of a maternal mortality crisis in the District, engagement in these issues is more important than ever. Learn more about how MSDC is working to protect the health of women, mothers, and babies in all wards in the city.
MSDC Statements and Testimony on Women's Health Issues
25th Council information coming soon!
MSDC’s 2025 Capital Healthcare Honors Brings Community Together Around Excellence
On March 26, 2025, the Medical Society of DC held its 5th Capital Healthcare Honors awards gala and dinner recognizing outstanding contributions to the health of our nation’s capital. This year’s event, which was held at the National Press Club, recognized health system executives, private practice leaders, health tech entrepreneurs, and public health luminaries.
Over 150 members of the DC health care community attended, including elected officials, health system executives, specialty and medical society leaders, physicians, and health care professionals. MSDC President Dr. Dock Winston hosted the event and introduced the special guests. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, the AMA President-Elect, tied together national health priorities and local DC initiatives and encouraged the District to adopt best practices in protecting physician wellbeing in credentialing and licensing.
The awardees were distinguished healthcare leaders who have striven to preserve the health and wellbeing of the nation’s capital, the Medical Society, and the profession.
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt received the John Benjamin Nichols Award for outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community. Dr. Nesbitt is a worthy recipient solely for her work as the Director of DC Health during the pandemic, but was also recognized for her past and continuing work as a health equity advocate and leader.
Dr. Lisa Boyle received the Certificate of Meritorious Service for her distinguished service to the medical profession. Dr. Boyle rallied the staff at Georgetown before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to a higher level of excellence, and as president of the hospital is setting the standard for community health.
Dr. Keith Egan received the Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award for outstanding public service to the community. Dr. Egan is one of the physician leaders of Pride Medicine on Capitol Hill and has a long history of advocating for equitable care for patients in need.
Dr. Michael Weinstein received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to the Medical Society. Dr. Weinstein is a visionary in sustainable private practice and for MSDC has been a long-time financial advisor, including serving as Treasurer and Finance Committee member.
Caretaker Medical is the inaugural Dr. Cesar A. Caceres Innovation in Health Care Technology Award, presented to a company that is using technology in a new way to improve patient care and physician health. Caretaker has created a remote monitoring device that provides real-time health data with minimal physical restraint to the patient, allowing patients to move while giving the care team a steady stream of information.
The honorees were nominated by MSDC membership and selected by a volunteer committee. More information can be found at www.msdc.org/chh. Attendees were encouraged by Dr. Winston to contribute to MSDC's campaign to create care packages for DC medical students; more about that campaign can be found here.
Sample of Legislation MSDC Followed in Women's Health and Maternal Health
(See the whole list of bills here)
What does the bill do? Extends postpartum inpatient and outpatient benefits to at least one year after childbirth
MSDC position: We support this legislation and the extension of insurance benefits to mothers and babies to help maternal health in the District
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Council and was signed into law by the Mayor on August 14, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill prohibits the District government from interfering with patients' reproductive health decisions and prohibits employers from punishing physicians who perform abortions or sterilizations outside of their employment.
MSDC position: We support this legislation as it allows physicians freedom of practice.
Current status: SUCCESS. The bill passed the Committee on Government Operations in January. MSDC submitted testimony at the December hearing, and MSDC member Sara Imershein testified at the hearing. The Council passed the bill and the Mayor signed it into law on March 23, 2020.
What does the bill do? The bill extends coverage for maternal health issues and fertility preservation, creates a Maternal Health Center in the District, and mandates two hours of cultural competence CME for health care providers.
MSDC position: We oppose the bill without changes due to inclusion of mandatory CME and some of the definitions in the bill being medically questionable.
Current status: The bill had a hearing in the Committee on Health in December, with MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein testifying for MSDC and ACOG.