MSVPAC thanks donors for support and presents awards

November 2011

The Medical Society of Virginia Political Action Committee (MSVPAC) thanks the individuals and medical groups that support its efforts to help ensure that Virginia physicians have the best political environment in which to practice medicine. MSVPAC hosted its large donor reception on Fri., Oct. 28, during the MSV Annual Meeting at The Homestead to recognize contributors who donated $250 or more this year.

“With the combination of economic pressure, the new world of health care in the age of federal reform and a different issue environment, it is even more important that members of MSV give to MSVPAC,” said Geoffrey T. Harter, M.D., MSVPAC chairman. “Even if we don’t have a marquee legislative battle, there are many smaller but just as important issues where physicians’ voices must be heard. I’d like to thank everyone for the continued support.”

During the reception, Del. Ben Cline (R-24th District, Amherst), chairman of Virginia’s Joint Commission on Health Care was on hand to meet with physicians.

At the reception, Dr. Harter presented the 2011 MSVPAC awards. MSVPAC recognized Clarence A. Holland Award winners Hazle Konerding, M.D. and Karsten Konerding, M.D. for their outstanding contributions promoting the art and science of medicine and the advancement of public health through political service. This award is presented annually by MSVPAC to a Virginia physician; this was the first time MSVPAC recognized two physicians. Dr. Hazle Konerding is a dermatologist and Dr. Karsten Konerding is a radiologist—both were nominated by their peers from the Richmond Academy of Medicine for their political advocacy efforts.

Dr. Harter also presented the 2011 Advocacy in Action award to MSV Past President Daniel Carey, M.D., FACC, FACP for his tireless work in pursuit of the legislative agreement on the medical malpractice cap. He served as the face of MSV during the 2010 and 2011 General Assembly sessions and was the physician representative during the stakeholder talks among MSV, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, leading the team that achieved the historic 20-year agreement on the cap. 

MSV District 3 earned recognition as the MSV district with the highest total contributions to MSVPAC, raising more than $130,000 since January 2011. The Richmond Academy of Medicine’s legislative co-chair Richard Szucs, M.D. accepted the award on behalf of District 3.

The donor recognition reception was co-sponsored by the American Medical Association Political Action Committee (AMPAC). MSVPAC and AMPAC thank everyone who supports MSVPAC. Contributions help ensure that MSVPAC can support friends of medicine running for political office in Virginia. Click here for all MSVPAC donor names as of Nov. 15, 2011.