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MSDC members, guests, and DC leaders gathered at the AAMC Event Center on Friday to celebrate the Society's annual meeting of members. The meeting was a return to the location of its successful 2019 annual meeting and for many attendees was a visit to an office important to their careers.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of Ashesh Patel, MD, as the Society's 159th president. Dr. Patel becomes president of the Society at the conclusion of the meeting, and offered a forward-looking vision in his inaugural address. Dr. Patel offered a vision for the Society working towards protecting the patient/provider relationship from undue interference.

The business meeting began with special remarks from the Chair of the Council of the District of Columbia, the Honorable Phil Mendelson. The Council Chair encouraged the physicians present to remain involved in advocacy and share their perspectives before the Council. Then attendees heard from new DC Health Director Dr. Ayanna Bennett about her vision for the health department. Dr. Bennett was named interim Director this summer and the event is one of her first public opportunities to share with fellow physicians her goals. Finally, Dr. Thomas Madejski, a trustee of the American Medical Association, gave his congratulations from the AMA and promoted the two organization's shared advocacy priorities.

MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate then gave her presidential remarks. Dr. Bathgate highlighted the Society's successes over the past year, including a new strategic plan, a new DEIB statement, the recently launched Pooled Employer 401k Plan, a new MSDC group in Figure 1, and progress on passing the District's first major prior authorization reforms. Dr. Nevin thanked Dr. Theresa Stone and Dr. Julian Craig, who are leaving the Board this year, and welcomed new Board members Drs. Ida Bergstrom and Michael Knight. She also recognized the new President-Elect, Dr. Dock Winston.

Before the business meeting, attendees mixed and mingled in the lobby of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Surrounded by glass, food, and beverage, attendees meet with colleagues and learned from sponsors

More information, pictures, and details about this event will be shared in the coming days.