Learn about Section on Senior Members (SOSM) member value.
The SOSM needs your membership and support! We create a unique community of members who are age 55 and older. The Section is here to help senior pediatricians deal with a variety of life and career changes and to remain active in the Academy and in contact with other senior colleagues. We hope you will get involved with the activities of the section.
Advocacy
Members in the SOSM network with other pediatricians to become a stronger advocate for children. Today's political and economic climate demand that Fellows of the Academy actively advocate for children and the SOSM has a wealth of effective child advocates among its members. We also have liaisons to Committee on Federal Government Affairs (COFGA), Committee on State govenment Affairs (COSGA) and Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP). Other advocacy activities include:
- Participating on the SOSM Advocacy Workgroup which will foster development of chapter senior sections and improve advocacy skills of pediatric trainees and early career physicians
- Partner with the AAP Washington, DC office by becoming an AAP Key Contact for the SOSM. These AAP members have an opportunity to take their advocacy to the next level. They receive important assignments and can provide critical information to the AAP Department of Federal Affairs
- Work with your local Chapter to nominate members for the Donald Schiff, MD FAAP SOSM Child Advocacy Award
- Work with you Chapter to nominate someone to serve as a Senior Member Chapter Champion
Communications
The Section produces a quarterly online Senior Bulletin which includes a variety of topics and archived selections entitled “Best of the Bulletin”. It is written by seniors for seniors of ALL ages and is ranked as one of the best benefits of Senior Section membership. Additionally, the Section developed a Collaboration Website which features engagement opportunities, discussion board, webinars and more.
Education
The educational program presented during the National Conference & Exhibition provides knowledge and resources on; career transitions, principles of global child health, approaches aimed at improving the health status of children, their families and communities through effective models of research and education.
Engagement
There are several ways for senior pediatricians like yourself to stay involved and engaged. For example:
- Write articles for the Online Senior Bulletin.
- Learn about current happenings and involvement opportunities through the section's collaboration site
- Join the Communications Subcommittee and/or the Education Strategy Team
- Keep up with electronic communications including an active SOSM listserv and Discussion Board via the Collaboration site
- Opportunities to run for leadership positions within the Senior Section
- Resolutions at the Leadership Conference on child health initiatives and senior-related topics
- Opportunities to participate on Workgroups focused on Advocacy, Career Transition and Mentoring, Member Engagement, and Surveys
- Provide guidance, expertise, and mentorship to early career physicians and trainees
Membership Dues
All National AAP members are eligible to join the Senior Section at the age of 55. Dues to join the Senior Section are $20 for all National AAP members –except Senior Members who can join the Senior Section at no cost.
Senior Members are those who have reached the age of 70, or are age 65 or older and no longer derive income from professional employment.
Already a section member? Check out the new content recently added to SOSM Collaboration Website. Log onto the Section's collaboration site. You’ll need your AAP login and password.
Thank you for your support as we continue to make great strides on behalf of children’s health! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff.
Last Updated
07/08/2025
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics