The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Committee on Pediatric Workforce (COPW) are committed to supporting and protecting the pediatric physician workforce (including primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, pediatric surgical subspecialists, and others who provide healthcare for children). A strong pediatric workforce is essential to the health of all children.

The mission of the COPW is to support the mission of the AAP in attaining optimal health for all children. To accomplish its mission the COPW will inform policy makers, patients and families, and the medical community at large about the unique role played by the pediatric physician workforce in providing health care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

The committee is centered on the following themes with health equity, state and federal advocacy, and a supportive infrastructure that facilitates the work of pediatricians woven throughout:

  • Defining and Cultivating the Optimal Pediatric Healthcare Team
  • Diversifying the Pediatric Workforce
  • Career Development and Support for medical students, trainees, re-entry, and
    maturing pediatricians
  • Physician Wellness
  • Financing the Healthcare System to Drive Equity

View policy statements

Resources

Female Leadership and Excellence in Pediatric Subspecialties (FLEXpeds) Virtual Summit 2022
In April 2022, the AAP hosted the first summit of this group to discuss achieving gender equity in pediatrics. Visit this page to see the graphic notes, view speaker presentations, read the meeting proceedings, and get more information.

Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES)
The Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES), started in 2012, is an ongoing longitudinal study to get accurate and current information on the experiences and opinions of early and mid-career pediatricians.

Pediatric Subspecialty Shortages State Fact Sheets and Driving Distances Maps
State-specific resources that detail the impact of these shortages in each state.

Interactive ABP Workforce Data
The ABP collects data on trends in the pediatric workforce and is pleased to offer many interactive dashboards.

 

Committee Members

Harold K. Simon, MD, MBA, FAAP
Chairperson
Atlanta, GA

Kimberly A. Boland, MD, FAAP
Louisville, KY

Laura A. Boomer, MD
Richmond, VA

​Eric N. Horowitz, MD, FAAP
Marblehead, MA

Kerri Machut, MD, FAAP
Chicago, IL

​Kristin N. Ray, MD, MS, FAAP
Pittsburgh, PA

Elaine Schulte, MD, MPH, FAAP
Bronx, NY

​​Laurel K. Leslie, MD, MPH, FAAP
Liaison, American Board of Pediatrics
Boston, MA

Robert Trevino, PhD, MD
Liaison, Section on Pediatric Trainees
Columbus, OH

Last Updated

10/02/2023

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics