By Varun Choudhary, MD, MA, DFAPA
PSV Past President
The 2025 Annual Meeting of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) took place October 24-26, 2025, at Hilton The Main Norfolk. The event brought together physicians, physician assistants, residents, and medical students from across the Commonwealth for networking, advocacy, continuing medical education, and shaping state medical policy. The meeting also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the MSV Foundation (founded in 1985– 2025), which featured special commemorative elements.
On Day 1, Dr. William Harp, Executive Director of the Board of Medicine, delivered a talk entitled Lessons Learned from the Board of Medicine. Evening networking events included a reception for residents and speed-networking sessions tailored for early-career physicians. On Day 2, a CME-eligible educational session was offered. Garret Westlake, Vice Provost for Innovation and Strategic Design at VCU Da Vinci Center, presented: Transformative Change: A Human-Centered Design Approach to Change Management. Saturday afternoon featured the always popular MSVPAC sailing event. While in the past, the event had gotten rained out, this year featured perfect weather to hit the water and get a sailing lesson. Dr. Mark Townsend of Richmond was welcomed as the new MSV President during the inaugural ceremony on Saturday evening. This was followed by the MSV Foundation Physician’s Gala with the theme of Denim, Diamonds, Boots, and Bowties.
The full session for the House of Delegates was held on Day 3. While the program spanned many health-policy arenas—from Medicaid coverage to private-equity in healthcare—of particular interest to the behavioral-health community were the resolutions and initiatives addressing mental wellness, clinician burnout, social-prescribing models, and access to non-medical supports. Of particular interest was a student-authored resolution on “Exploration of Social Prescribing Programs.” The purpose was to “encourage investigating non-medical, community-based interventions (such as social groups, peer support, exercise, nutrition/food security initiatives) as adjuncts to traditional medical care, particularly in behavioral health and wellness contexts.” Authored by medical students at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the resolution was adopted by the MSV HOD, thereby becoming official MSV policy.
The 2025 MSV Annual Meeting in Norfolk delivered a robust blend of policy governance, professional development, networking, and celebration. Attendees left equipped with new resolutions, educational insights, and strengthened connections across Virginia’s physician and PA community. For those who were unable to attend, the takeaways are clear: MSV is evolving —engaging younger members, addressing systemic issues, and positioning itself as a leader for the future of medicine in Virginia.
MSV Presentation RECAP
By William L. Harp, MD, DLFAPA
Executive Director
Board of Medicine
The presentation to the Medical Society of Virginia on October 24 was “Reflections on the Board of Medicine.” It touched on the history of medical regulation. First in the 1500’s with municipal tribunals in Central and South America, then the 1600’s & 1700’s in the Virginia colony and some of the diseases experienced in the 18th and 19th centuries, then early boards of medicine that sprang up across the US were mentioned.
The Virginia Board was established in 1884. It licensed its first African-American physician in 1886 and its first woman physician in 1890. The boards across the nation established the Federation of State Medical Boards in 1912 to facilitate networking and help the boards in their work. The Virginia Board is a composite board, one that licenses more than MD’s.
Today, it regulates 21 professions plus advanced practice registered nurses jointly with the Board of Nursing. In all those professions there are over 120,000 healthcare providers. The Board’s structure and function were discussed as well as its 11 advisory boards. The Board licenses 11,000+ new providers each year. The Board gets 2,300+ complaints a year.
New professions, laws, regulations, and initiatives for the last 25 years were reviewed. A nod was given to Hilary Connor, MD, the first Executive Director, and to Warren Koonntz, MD, the second Executive Director. And then there were memorable moments from the last 25 years, most light-hearted and enjoyable to hear. The future was the last item. Artificial intelligence, licensing compacts, and an attorney as Executive Director were mentioned.
