The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Although primarily focused on the needs of children in the USA, the AAP has chapters in Canada and supports these chapters in working for Canadian child health needs. We, as the Atlantic Provinces chapter, benefit from training in advocacy and administration.

The American Academy of Pediatrics was founded in June 1930 by 35 pediatricians who met in Detroit in response to the need for an independent pediatric forum to address children’s needs. When the AAP was established, the idea that children have special developmental and health needs was a new one. Preventive health practices now associated with childcare - such as immunizations and regular health exams - were only just beginning to change the custom of treating children as “miniature adults.”

One of the AAP’s major activities is to further the professional education of its members. The Department of Education houses PediaLink® —the pediatrician’s home for CME and professional development. Create a learning plan, view offerings through the CME Finder tool, manage transcripts, or register for an online or live, self-paced, or joint CME activity. The annual AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE) features the largest variety of educational sessions in over 60 topic areas to suit a variety of learning styles, is home to the largest pediatric technical exhibit, which also showcases the latest pediatric products and services, as well as AAP educational and professional resources and programs. There are also many educational opportunities through AAP seminars, publications and statements from committees and sections, which form the basis of a continuing postgraduate educational program. View all AAP Continuing Medical Education Resources here.

The AAP publishes Pediatrics, its monthly scientific journal; Pediatrics in Review, its continuing education journal; and its membership newspaper AAP News. It also publishes manuals on such topics as infectious diseases and school health. In its public education efforts, the AAP produces patient education brochures on a variety of topics and a series of child care books written by AAP members.

To learn more about the AAP, please visit http://aap.org/
To learn more about becoming a member please click here.