May I thank the Board and Membership of the Medico-Chirurgical Society of the District of Columbia (Med-Chi) for electing me President of the organization. As I assume office as President of Med-Chi, I reflect on the efforts of our Founders more than 128 years ago and all the work of our predecessors. They did a magnificent job, and I salute them. We now stand on their shoulders to move Med-Chi forward.

We are entering a new phase of Med-Chi's existence and the trust will be to improve our visibility in our community, continuing to be relevant to our members’ lives and aggressively expanding our membership. This is my challenge to every member of this great organization.

Our membership meetings will continue to offer one hour of free CME lectures, great opportunities for interactions and networking amongst the physicians. I am acutely aware that every physician has many choices of medical societies from which to choose. “ Why join Med-Chi?” becomes a relevant question.
Med-Chi is the oldest black medical organization on the planet and its mission remains as relevant today as it was 125 years ago. Apart from the stated advantages above, Med-Chi is embarking on a concerted effort to encourage minority children in the inner city of DC to choose science and medicine as areas of study by sponsoring science fairs, science quiz competitions and offering science-related scholarships. We will also continue to address issues of health disparities in the City. These are issues that any African-American physician can easily identify with and be part of the solution through Med-Chi.

Furthermore, Med-Chi will continue to be a strong advocate for our members. We will be reviving our legislative programs and seek to engage our political leaders constructively as we seek ways to decrease the burden of disease in our communities. A food for thought is: it is easier to break a single stick alone than to break sticks in a bundle. I encourage every member to communicate any concerns to the leadership for consideration and necessary action. Med-Chi will build the necessary coalitions across the District of Columbia and beyond to enable it advocate for its members.

In a congratulatory message on my election as President, Ambassador Howard F. Jeter, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and a close family friend describes it as a "milestone''. This is significant as there is an opening for Med-Chi to connect with the African Diaspora and be a voice regarding healthcare issues of the huge continent of Africa..
There is a new energy in Med-Chi. The flame of enthusiasm is burning in our hearts. Let us all come together, join hands in friendship , kinship and love with a sense of common purpose to build a stronger organization.

The future is in our hands and it is adorned with greatness.

LONG LIVE OUR MEMBERS , LONG LIVE MED-CHI

Anthony I. Ibe, MD. President
 

J. Nadine Gracia, M.D.,MSCE. a member of Med-Chi of DC is the newly appointed Director of The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Minority Health !! The Medico-Chirurgical Society of D.C. congratulates Dr. Gracia!! 

Joseph A. Quash, Sr., M.D.

  Founder, Capital Cardiology Consultants at Providence Hospital

 E. Anthony Rankin, M.D.
  Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Providence Hospital
  Founder, Rankin Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

 Bette L. Catoe-Strudwick, M.D.
  Retired Pediatrician and Community Activist
  at The annual Providence Hospital’s Gala
  Time: Reception- 6:30PM, Dinner & Dancing- 7:30PM
  Venue: International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (14th Street Entrance)
  Washington, DC
  Contact person: Sharon Henry, Event Coordinator, at 866.723.1781 or email shenry@toad.net.