On behalf of our more than 10,000 section members, I'd like to welcome you to the American Academy of Pediatrics website for resident physicians. This site is a primary means of communication with the AAP Section on Medical Students, Residents and Fellowship Trainees (SOMSRFT). We created this site to highlight opportunities in education, leadership, advocacy, and becoming involved in child health. This website is an excellent resource for you to learn how the AAP can serve as a professional home as your career in pediatrics unfolds. It provides resources for financial support, lifelong learning, and now offers networking opportunities for section members around the country through the YPConnection.
I encourage you to begin or continue your involvement in this section. Nationally, we are led by a chair, vice-chair, and secretary. Our section executive committee is also comprised of District Coordinators and Assistant District Coordinators, who are elected annually to represent each of the Academy's ten national districts. Every residency program designates a program delegate. Do you know who yours is? Your program delegate is a link to your involvement with our section. The SOMSRFT also has liaison positions to more than 20 other sections within the Academy and outside organizations. If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities, please see the open leadership position section of the website and fill out the appropriate forms.
Every year our section focuses on a common advocacy topic. For 2008-2009, we focused on tobacco and smoking cessation, which was a great success and helped untold numbers of children. This year, we are pleased to announce an immunization campaign entitled ImmuneWise. The education and advocacy information that is included in this project will give you the tools necessary to become involved at any level, be it program, community, state, or national! We also encourage you to do your part for children by signing up for the Federal Advocacy Action Network's quarterly updates. In addition to our common advocacy topic, we recognize that you may have your own advocacy interests. To that end, the AAP offers CATCH grants, Dyson Awards and other support to enable your own local advocacy work.
Training aids and preparing for lifelong learning are an important focus of our section. During residency, we encourage you to take advantage of the learning opportunities of PREP and Pediatrics in Review. PediaLink continues to be a hub for online learning and the AAP has made it a high priority for improvement, thanks to your feedback. Real-time educational opportunities take place every year at the AAP National Convention and Exhibition (NCE). The 2010 NCE will be held in San Francisco, California. I would welcome the opportunity to see as many of you as possible there for the SOMSRFT Annual Assembly on Saturday, October 2!
I hope you find what you need as you browse the YoungPeds Network and the AAP website. If you would like to ask questions, provide feedback, or learn how to get more involved, feel free to contact your district coordinator or me directly.
Thank you for visiting and welcome to the AAP!
Joshua M. Smith, MD
Chairperson, Section on Medical Students, Residents and Fellowship Trainees (SOMSRFT)
