Two MSDC Members Win John J. Lynch MD Moral Courage Award December 28, 2022

Two MSDC members were recognized by MedStar Washington Hospital Center for exemplary work in the face of ethically challenging situations.

Dr. Alena Lira and Dr. Benjamin Kenigsberg were two of three clinicians recognized this month with the award, named after past MSDC president Dr. John J. Lynch. The John J. Lynch, MD, Moral Courage Awards are given out biannually to recognize physicians, nurses, social workers and non clinical staff, who exhibit exemplary courage in the face of ethically challenging clinical circumstances. Social worker Yolanda King was also recognized.

In 1982, John “Jack” Lynch, the first medical oncologist in Washington, D.C., founded the Washington Hospital Center's first Ethics Committee. A few years later, driven by the needs of the hospital, its providers, patients, and families, a dedicated Center for Ethics was developed. In 2022, the committee celebrates 40 years of continued ethics support for MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Today, the John J. Lynch, MD Center for Ethics serves as MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Department of Bioethics, with a consultative section that responds to approximately 400 requests per year.

MSDC Past President Dr. Daniel Perlin is also a past recipient of this award.

Congratulations to this year's honorees from MSDC!