Downloadable HSCSN Provider Directories
If you would prefer to look at the entire list of primary care and specialty providers within the HSCSN network, you can download the Provider Directory.
Selecting a Doctor or Dentist
Choosing your Primary Care Provider (PCP) and dentist is one of the most important things you will do as an enrollee. If you have not chosen a doctor yet, use these steps to get started.
Step One: Think about the needs of your family
- Do you want to keep your current doctor or dentist? Check to see if your doctors are part of the HSCSN network. If so, you may keep that doctor.
- Is it important for doctors to be close to home or work?
- Do you prefer one hospital to another? Download the list on this page or call Customer Care at (202) 467-2737 or 1 (866) 937-4549 for a list of hospitals where primary care providers (PCPs) and dentists can send patients for treatment.
- Some doctors may not be taking new patients. HSCSN will let you know if you need to pick a different doctor.
Step Two: Choose a PCP and dentist for every HSCSN enrollee in your family
- See what health care services HSCSN covers »
- If your current doctors or dentists are not part of the HSCSN network, download the provider list to find a provider in our network.
- There may be HSCSN enrollees in your family who don’t have a PCP or dentist. You can choose one from the list of doctors above.
If you have a question about whether HSCSN covers certain health care, call Customer Care at (202) 467-2737 or 1 (866) 937-4549.
If you need to change your PCP or Dentist
You can change your PCP or dentist anytime, for any reason. To do this:
- Download the list on this page to find a new PCP or dentist.
- Call your Care Manager to let them know which doctor or dentist you have selected as your new PCP.
Health Care Services Covered by HSCSN

See what health care services are covered by the HSCSN health plan.
Gail Kerr, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Gail Kerr also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Gail Kerr is ADA Accessible
Gail Kerr is
Accepting new patients
Gail Kerr is Near public transportation
Gail Kerr has Cultural competency
Bilal Khan, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Bilal Khan also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Bilal Khan is ADA Accessible
Bilal Khan is
Accepting new patients
Bilal Khan is Near public transportation
Bilal Khan has Cultural competency
Natasha Khawaja, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Natasha Khawaja also speaks English
3020 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Get Directions
Unity Health Care
Howard University Hospital
Ward 6
Additional Information
Natasha Khawaja is ADA Accessible
Natasha Khawaja is
Accepting new patients
Natasha Khawaja is Near public transportation
Natasha Khawaja has Cultural competency
Zeina Kiblawi, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Zeina Kiblawi also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
3 South NICU
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Children's National Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Zeina Kiblawi is ADA Accessible
Zeina Kiblawi is
Accepting new patients
Zeina Kiblawi is Near public transportation
Zeina Kiblawi has Cultural competency
Angesom Kibreab, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Angesom Kibreab also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 5100
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Angesom Kibreab is ADA Accessible
Angesom Kibreab is
Accepting new patients
Angesom Kibreab is Near public transportation
Angesom Kibreab has Cultural competency
Earl Kidwell, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Earl Kidwell also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Earl Kidwell is ADA Accessible
Earl Kidwell is
Accepting new patients
Earl Kidwell is Near public transportation
Earl Kidwell has Cultural competency
Earl Kidwell, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Earl Kidwell also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 2100
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Earl Kidwell is ADA Accessible
Earl Kidwell is
Accepting new patients
Earl Kidwell is Near public transportation
Earl Kidwell has Cultural competency
Karen Klauss, CNM
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Karen Klauss also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Karen Klauss is ADA Accessible
Karen Klauss is
Accepting new patients
Karen Klauss is Near public transportation
Karen Klauss has Cultural competency
Adeyinko Laiyemo, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Adeyinko Laiyemo also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 5000
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Adeyinko Laiyemo is ADA Accessible
Adeyinko Laiyemo is
Accepting new patients
Adeyinko Laiyemo is Near public transportation
Adeyinko Laiyemo has Cultural competency
Tashima Lambert, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Tashima Lambert also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Tashima Lambert is ADA Accessible
Tashima Lambert is
Accepting new patients
Tashima Lambert is Near public transportation
Tashima Lambert has Cultural competency
Tashima Lambert, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Tashima Lambert also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 1700
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Tashima Lambert is ADA Accessible
Tashima Lambert is
Accepting new patients
Tashima Lambert is Near public transportation
Tashima Lambert has Cultural competency
Daniel Larbi, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Daniel Larbi also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 5000
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Daniel Larbi is ADA Accessible
Daniel Larbi is
Accepting new patients
Daniel Larbi is Near public transportation
Daniel Larbi has Cultural competency
Shari Lawson, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Shari Lawson also speaks English
None
2041 Georgia Avenue
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Shari Lawson is ADA Accessible
Shari Lawson is
Accepting new patients
Shari Lawson is Near public transportation
Gal Levy, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Gal Levy also speaks English
None
2041 Georgia Avenue
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Gal Levy is ADA Accessible
Gal Levy is
Accepting new patients
Gal Levy is Near public transportation
Eric Li, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Eric Li also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
1-400
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Eric Li is ADA Accessible
Eric Li is
Accepting new patients
Eric Li is Near public transportation
Caiyun Liao, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Caiyun Liao also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Caiyun Liao is ADA Accessible
Caiyun Liao is
Accepting new patients
Caiyun Liao is Near public transportation
Caiyun Liao has Cultural competency
Caiyun Liao, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Caiyun Liao also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2139 Georgia Avenue, NW
1st Floor
Washington, DC 20059
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Caiyun Liao is ADA Accessible
Caiyun Liao is
Accepting new patients
Caiyun Liao is Near public transportation
Caiyun Liao has Cultural competency
Jeremy Tonkin, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Jeremy Tonkin also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
4th Floor
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Jeremy Tonkin is ADA Accessible
Jeremy Tonkin is
Accepting new patients
Jeremy Tonkin is Near public transportation
Jeremy Tonkin has Cultural competency
Nyima Tunkara, NP
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Nyima Tunkara also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 4000
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Nyima Tunkara is ADA Accessible
Nyima Tunkara is
Accepting new patients
Nyima Tunkara is Near public transportation
Nyima Tunkara has Cultural competency
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda, NP
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8A - 5P
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Unity (East of the River)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda is ADA Accessible
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda is
Accepting new patients
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda is Near public transportation
Jacqueline Velasquez-Castaneda has Cultural competency
Sherif Selim, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Sherif Selim also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Sherif Selim is ADA Accessible
Sherif Selim is
Accepting new patients
Sherif Selim is Near public transportation
Sherif Selim has Cultural competency
Jeffrey Sellers, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Jeffrey Sellers also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 1700
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Jeffrey Sellers is ADA Accessible
Jeffrey Sellers is
Accepting new patients
Jeffrey Sellers is Near public transportation
Jeffrey Sellers has Cultural competency
Aaron Shapiro, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Aaron Shapiro also speaks English
1500 Galen Street, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Get Directions
Unity (Anacostia Health Center)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Aaron Shapiro is ADA Accessible
Aaron Shapiro is
Accepting new patients
Aaron Shapiro is Near public transportation
Aaron Shapiro has Cultural competency
Eric Shapiro, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Eric Shapiro also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Eric Shapiro is ADA Accessible
Eric Shapiro is
Accepting new patients
Eric Shapiro is Near public transportation
Eric Shapiro has Cultural competency
Eric Shapiro, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Eric Shapiro also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Eric Shapiro is ADA Accessible
Eric Shapiro is
Accepting new patients
Eric Shapiro is Near public transportation
Eric Shapiro has Cultural competency
Habiballah Shariat, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Habiballah Shariat also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 3300
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Habiballah Shariat is ADA Accessible
Habiballah Shariat is
Accepting new patients
Habiballah Shariat is Near public transportation
Habiballah Shariat has Cultural competency
Maren Shaw, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Maren Shaw also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Maren Shaw is ADA Accessible
Maren Shaw is
Accepting new patients
Maren Shaw is Near public transportation
Maren Shaw has Cultural competency
Ira Shocket, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Ira Shocket also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Ira Shocket is ADA Accessible
Ira Shocket is
Accepting new patients
Ira Shocket is Near public transportation
Ira Shocket has Cultural competency
David Song, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
David Song also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
5B02
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
David Song is ADA Accessible
David Song is
Accepting new patients
David Song is Near public transportation
David Song has Cultural competency
Lori Spoor, DO
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8A - 5P
Lori Spoor also speaks English
1717 Columbia Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Get Directions
Unity (Christ House)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Lori Spoor is ADA Accessible
Lori Spoor is
Accepting new patients
Lori Spoor is Near public transportation
Lori Spoor has Cultural competency
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord is ADA Accessible
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord is
Accepting new patients
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord is Near public transportation
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord has Cultural competency
Kathryn Stewart, FNP
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Kathryn Stewart also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Unity (East of the River)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Kathryn Stewart is ADA Accessible
Kathryn Stewart is
Accepting new patients
Kathryn Stewart is Near public transportation
Kathryn Stewart has Cultural competency
Melissa Simkol, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8A - 5P
Melissa Simkol also speaks English
Adolescents, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHS), Anxiety, Children, Children in the Care or Custody of DCF , Depression, Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual (LGB), Medication Mangement and Therapy, People with Disabilities
3946 Minnesota Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Unity (Minnesota Avenue)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Melissa Simkol is ADA Accessible
Melissa Simkol is
Accepting new patients
Melissa Simkol is Near public transportation
Melissa Simkol has Cultural competency
Gautam Siram, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Gautam Siram also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 4000
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Gautam Siram is ADA Accessible
Gautam Siram is
Accepting new patients
Gautam Siram is Near public transportation
Gautam Siram has Cultural competency
Dea Sloan, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Dea Sloan also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Dea Sloan is ADA Accessible
Dea Sloan is
Accepting new patients
Dea Sloan is Near public transportation
Dea Sloan has Cultural competency
Megan Slocum, PA-C
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Megan Slocum also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 4000
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Megan Slocum is ADA Accessible
Megan Slocum is
Accepting new patients
Megan Slocum is Near public transportation
Megan Slocum has Cultural competency
Alyssa Small-Layne, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Alyssa Small-Layne also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Alyssa Small-Layne is ADA Accessible
Alyssa Small-Layne is
Accepting new patients
Alyssa Small-Layne is Near public transportation
Alyssa Small-Layne has Cultural competency
Alyssa Small-Layne, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Alyssa Small-Layne also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Alyssa Small-Layne is ADA Accessible
Alyssa Small-Layne is
Accepting new patients
Alyssa Small-Layne is Near public transportation
Alyssa Small-Layne has Cultural competency
Constance Smith-Hicks, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Constance Smith-Hicks also speaks English
110 Irving Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
Get Directions
MedStar Medical Group II LLC
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Ward 5
Additional Information
Constance Smith-Hicks is ADA Accessible
Constance Smith-Hicks is
Accepting new patients
Constance Smith-Hicks is Near public transportation
Constance Smith-Hicks has Cultural competency
Janine Smith-Marshall, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Janine Smith-Marshall also speaks Amharic, Spanish
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 2100
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Janine Smith-Marshall is ADA Accessible
Janine Smith-Marshall is
Accepting new patients
Janine Smith-Marshall is Near public transportation
Janine Smith-Marshall has Cultural competency
Janine Smith-Marshall, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Janine Smith-Marshall also speaks Amharic, Spanish
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Janine Smith-Marshall is ADA Accessible
Janine Smith-Marshall is
Accepting new patients
Janine Smith-Marshall is Near public transportation
Janine Smith-Marshall has Cultural competency
Daneille Swofford, DO
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Daneille Swofford also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Daneille Swofford is ADA Accessible
Daneille Swofford is
Accepting new patients
Daneille Swofford is Near public transportation
Daneille Swofford has Cultural competency
Daneille Swofford, DO
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Daneille Swofford also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
Suite 1700
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Daneille Swofford is ADA Accessible
Daneille Swofford is
Accepting new patients
Daneille Swofford is Near public transportation
Daneille Swofford has Cultural competency
Daneille Swofford, DO
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Daneille Swofford also speaks English
1251B Saratoga Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20018
Get Directions
Unity (Brentwood Square Health Center)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 5
Additional Information
Daneille Swofford is ADA Accessible
Daneille Swofford is
Accepting new patients
Daneille Swofford is Near public transportation
Daneille Swofford has Cultural competency
Parisa Takalloo, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Parisa Takalloo also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Parisa Takalloo is ADA Accessible
Parisa Takalloo is
Accepting new patients
Parisa Takalloo is Near public transportation
Parisa Takalloo has Cultural competency
Parisa Takalloo, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Parisa Takalloo also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Parisa Takalloo is ADA Accessible
Parisa Takalloo is
Accepting new patients
Parisa Takalloo is Near public transportation
Parisa Takalloo has Cultural competency
Ruth Tamrat, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Ruth Tamrat also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Ruth Tamrat is ADA Accessible
Ruth Tamrat is
Accepting new patients
Ruth Tamrat is Near public transportation
Ruth Tamrat has Cultural competency
Madeline Taskier, MD
Gender Female
Mon-Fri 8A - 5P
Madeline Taskier also speaks English
765 Kenilworth Terrace, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Unity (Parkside)
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
Madeline Taskier is ADA Accessible
Madeline Taskier is
Accepting new patients
Madeline Taskier is Near public transportation
James Taylor, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
James Taylor also speaks English
4414 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 7
Additional Information
James Taylor is ADA Accessible
James Taylor is
Accepting new patients
James Taylor is Near public transportation
James Taylor has Cultural competency
Allen Taylor, MD
Gender Male
Mon-Fri 8:30A - 5P
Allen Taylor also speaks English
2041 Georgia Avenue, NW
B810
Washington, DC 20060
Get Directions
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan
Howard University Hospital
Ward 1
Additional Information
Allen Taylor is ADA Accessible
Allen Taylor is
Accepting new patients
Allen Taylor is Near public transportation
Allen Taylor has Cultural competency