American Academy of Pediatrics Heads to Anaheim, Calif., for the 2022 National Conference & Exhibition

Returning in-person for the first time since 2019, thousands of pediatric medical professionals will join at the Anaheim conference to attend and present educational seminars, exhibits and presentations.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. – The American Academy of Pediatrics will hold its 2022 National Conference & Exhibition Oct. 7-11, 2022, in Anaheim, CA., returning to an in-person experience where thousands of pediatricians, researchers and medical professionals will explore areas affecting children’s health, including the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic.

The pandemic’s toll on children’s mental and physical health, academic learning, vaccine hesitancy and health equity are among newsworthy topics to be covered in special sessions during the conference, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Researchers will present hundreds of original abstracts on the latest in pediatric studies. Guest speakers include Roy Guerrero, MD, FAAP, who gives voice to the victims of the May 24, 2022, shooting at a Uvalde, TX, elementary school as the city’s only pediatrician.

“We are really excited about this opportunity to reunite with our colleagues in Anaheim and share our experiences, research and best practices in pediatrics,”said Cassandra Pruitt, MD, FAAP, chair of the 2022 conference Planning Group. “We all share a passion for caring and advocating for all children who need us now, more than ever, to be their voice. We also need each other more than ever and I look forward to welcoming everyone back.”

Events for journalists include:

• Authors of select newsworthy abstracts will provide journalists with an overview of their research and answer questions during “Soundbite Sessions” on Saturday and Sunday mornings, Oct. 8 and 9, from 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. PT in Press Room, 213 AB, Anaheim Convention Center.
• AAP will release an updated policy statement on preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths, with a news conference scheduled from 12:15 -1 p.m. PT Saturday, Oct 8, in Room 207 AB Anaheim Convention Center. Reporters will hear from the lead author of the new statement and technical report, as well as other guest speakers during a panel discussion.
• In a Sunday, Oct. 9, plenary, Susan Hillis, PhD, will review data on children who have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19, including geographical and racial differences. The session is from 10:55 a.m. -11:15 a.m. PT at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
• On Monday, Oct. 10, Scott Hadland, MD, FAAP, draws on innovative data to highlight pediatricians' role in addressing a national addiction crisis and supporting children. There have been more than 1 million overdose deaths since the turn of the century. The session is from 11:15 a.m.-11:35 a.m. PT at Anaheim Convention Center Arena.
• On Tuesday, Oct. 11, Tiffani J. Johnson, MD, MSc, FAAP, will talk about eliminating race-based medicine during a session from 10:55 am-11:15 a.m. PT at Anaheim Convention Center Arena.

Abstracts to be presented at the conference will be available on the conference website at 12:01 am ET Friday, Oct. 7.

For information about covering the conference, including how to register, media guidelines, press room arrangements and daily meeting highlights, visit the AAP News Room or contact AAP Public Affairs at commun@aap.org or 630-626-6177.

Advanced registration for journalists is strongly recommended to avoid delays that will occur for same-day registrants. New health and safety measures are in place and can be found here. The on-site Press Office will be located at the Anaheim Convention Center, Room 213 AB. Reporters will be required to check in at the main conference entrance.

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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.