Statement from the AAP President: Message for the New Congress

By: Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, president 

“As President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, I am thrilled to recognize three pediatricians who were just elected to the U.S. Congress: newly elected U.S. Representative Richard Pan, MD, FAAP (California), re-elected Rep. Kim Schrier, MD, FAAP (Washington), and Annie Andrews, MD, FAAP, (South Carolina), the first pediatrician ever to serve in the U.S. Senate. All proud fellows of the AAP. 

“They are joined by other pediatricians who were elected and re-elected to state and local offices. Jen Plumb (Utah Senate), Lisa Reynolds (Oregon Senate), and Melody Cunningham (Montana House) were all re-elected, and Krishnan Subrahmanian (Minnesota Senate) and Christopher Tiongson (North Dakota House) were elected to open seats. Amy Acton, who trained as a pediatrician before pursuing a career in public health, was also elected Ohio’s next governor.

“I hope these wins encourage more pediatricians and others who care for children to run for office. We live in challenging times for children, and for our profession. When children’s health is at stake, pediatricians don’t pull back, we step up. 

“And now it is Congress’ turn to do the same. Children deserve bold new policies that prioritize their needs. They deserve leaders focused on ensuring they have enough to eat, have health insurance designed specifically for them, and have access to services to support them as they grow and thrive.  

“Today, we celebrate the pediatricians in public office, and we urge the new Congress to partner with the AAP to put children first come January 3rd.”

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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.