American Academy of Pediatrics Mourns Death of Pediatrician in Austin, Texas

Statement from Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics

“The entire pediatric community is shocked and heartbroken over the tragic shooting of Dr. Katherine Lindley Dodson in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday. We grieve with her family, her colleagues, and her patient community, who have lost a caring pediatrician, friend, and mother.

“There is no explanation for this kind of violence anywhere, and especially in a pediatric medical office, which should be a safe place focused on nurturing and healing. We are mindful this has happened amid a pandemic that has also brought unprecedented stress and anxiety to families and medical providers alike. At a time when we would normally gather with friends and loved ones to seek comfort, we cannot do so in the same way.  On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics, we extend our deepest condolences, and offer our support to the Austin pediatric community.”

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.