MSDC and Mid-Atlantic Medical Societies Release Physician Protection Statement April 27, 2020

Today the Medical Society of DC joined MedChi, the Medical Society of Virginia, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the Medical Society of Delaware in a joint statement on protecting physicians during COVID-19.

The letter, seen here, advocates for physicians' physical protection and right to speak freely about COVID-19 during the epidemic. The Mid-Atlantic State Medical Societies' leadership agreed that a joint statement modeled on the Council for Medical Specialty Societies and MSDC's earlier statement is important to show unity on the issue as many of our members have multi-state licenses.

The statement outlines four areas:

1. Urging local authorities to ensure adequate supplies of PPE and planning for adequate PPE
2. Supporting the AMA's statement allowing the use of private PPE when no other safe options exist
3. Allowing physicians to speak out on areas of expertise without fear of retribution or termination
4. Supporting the AMA's statement that "no employer should restrict physicians' freedom to advocate" for their patients