Committee on Pediatric Workforce (COPW)

The MISSION of the Committee on Pediatric Workforce (COPW) is aligned with that of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)--attaining optimal health for all children. Recognizing that a strong, diversified pediatric workforce is essential to the health of all children, COPW will inform policy makers, patients and families, and the medical community at large about the unique and critical role played by the pediatric physician workforce in providing health care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. COPW will support and advocate for the continued development of a broad-based pediatric workforce, including both primary care and medical and surgical subspecialty pediatricians. This advocacy will be directed at stakeholders including hospital and healthcare systems, medical educators, post-graduate training programs, certifying organizations, employers, payers and government policy makers.

The VISION of COPW provides that all children will have equitable access to needed care, provided by appropriate numbers of pediatricians, regardless of their location. This access will be supported by adequate numbers of training programs, appropriate payment to pediatricians, and enhanced recognition of the value provided by pediatricians to all children. Support for pediatric programs, hospitals and providers will be, AT A MINIMUM, at the same levels as support provided for any primary care or subspecialty physician, to position the field of pediatrics as an attractive career choice for new graduates.

The VALUES of COPW include the recognition that pediatricians, who can impact children and their futures for an entire lifetime, will be supported at a level which recognizes the long-term effect of pediatric care extending through adulthood. This support will recognize the value of both acute and preventive care, even though it may take many years for the benefits of this care to be recognized.

Specifically, COPW is focused on the following themes involving health equity, state and federal advocacy, and an infrastructure that supports facilitates the work of pediatricians through:

• Defining and Cultivating the Optimal Pediatric Healthcare Team, in terms of both makeup and numbers
• Diversifying the Pediatric Workforce
• Career Development and Support for medical students, trainees, and pediatricians at all career stages
• Physician Wellness
• Financing the Healthcare System to Drive Equity of Access for All Children

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