Statement from AAP President Dr. Sue Kressly: A Milestone Match Day for Pediatrics

By AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP 

Every day we show up as pediatricians, we make the world better for children, their families, and their communities. We have the privilege of shaping the future—one child at a time. 

Match Day marks a time for joy and reflection, as medical students choose pediatrics and are placed in residency positions where they embark on careers dedicated to children’s health and development.  

We are proud to announce that this year marks the largest number of pediatric residents in history on Match Day. More specifically, 3,043 residents matched to categorical and primary pediatrics compared to 2,887 on Match Day last year.  And with a more than 95 percent fill rate – a 3 percent increase from last year even with a higher total number of positions – the pediatric workforce is growing.  

To make sure we continue this momentum and have the right pediatricians and pediatric specialists available to care for children in all parts of the country, we must do the work to create the infrastructure to support them.  Right now, payment structures undervalue the work of pediatricians, and potential funding cuts to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) could have devastating consequences for the 49% of U.S. children who depend on these programs. We must support the business case to make it possible for physicians to enter the field. Medical schools must ensure their students have opportunities to experience pediatrics rotations, so this rewarding career pathway is visible to future physicians.  

AAP stands with pediatricians and subspecialists, providing the advocacy, education, and support they need to deliver exceptional care. Being a pediatrician is an honor. Welcome to our family. 

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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.