APPD FAQ
Overview Congratulations on joining the Association of Pediatric Program Directors (APPD). We are a network of more than 2,000 colleagues at over 180 different institutions, all of whom are facing the same issues as you are. Since 1985, we have been dedicated to our vision of "Exemplary pediatric education across the continuum."
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The website is a wealth of information on all of the resources and opportunities for new members. Visit www.appd.org and click on links to find out about specific areas of interest to you, regional activities, and other information. Recent APPD newsletters, annual reports, and meeting presentations are available to view past/recent activities. We also highly suggest attending one of the national APPD meetings, either in the Spring or Fall, so that you may enjoy direct networking and programming. The website has information on both upcoming APPD meetings and detailed programs from past meetings.
We respect your time and try to limit too many mailings, while keeping you informed through multiple methods. We send out newsletters three times per year (Summer, Fall, Winter) and monthly email summaries (APPD Bulletin) with news, deadlines and other important information. The website is also frequently updated with past meeting notes, announcements, and future events. Regional and sectional listserves, discussion forums, and other electronic communications augment in-person activities.
In addition to program development, we are committed to your individual success. For many in academics, this includes demonstration of excellence in education and/or scholarly activities. The APPD has multiple opportunities to submit workshops and presentations. The online Share Warehouse is a peer-reviewed process to document and disseminate your curricular work. We also have programming to help with publication of your work and representation on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Academia Pediatric Association (APA).
Mentorship is available both informally in regional and national meeting networking and through a formal APPD mentorship program
The APPD and related PAS groups have workshops during the national spring meetings. Calls for proposals are sent out and posted online in late-Summer to early-Fall. New or old members are encouraged to apply and collaboration on presentations is emphasized. See past meeting programs posted online for examples.
The Research Task Force is a good way to learn about educational scholarly activities. Regional members often collaborate on projects. Meetings of the APPD and PAS have many workshops dedicated to research design, implementation, measurement, and publication. Scientific sessions at meetings highlight some of the excellent work done in a variety of educational arenas.
This is a top priority for programs and a major focus of APPD resources. Initial accreditation, reaccreditation, and response to citations are detailed in APPD website guides, meeting programming, and networking with peers. Competency tools and shared educational resources help programs understand and comply with RRC and PIF requirements. ACGME representatives attend our meetings and we have a consultation service available ( click here for more information )
There are 8 regions divided up geographically. See the following website to find your region by state click here and choose the region names for more info.
As program administration has become more specialized and complex, the APPD recognizes this and has subgroups and meeting tracks. These distinctions are helpful for more effective program development and for individual career advice.
The APPD holds liaison positions and represents membership in all major pediatric organizations. The APPD Board of Directors, other leaders and members are involved in creation of policy, review of initiatives and advocacy for children through education. APPD meetings also have representatives from ABP, AAP, ACGME, and other major involved organizations to foster interactions with our members.
The APPD relies strongly on grassroots ideas from our members. Many initiatives arise out of the regional organizations, task forces and other committees. The APPD member-elected Board is always seeking input. During national meetings we hold an open discussion forum to share ideas, review 'hot topics' and identify issues for additional action. National meetings also include representatives from other groups available for interactions and exchange of ideas.
There are APPD offices at the regional and national level, presenting numerous opportunities to get involved as a member, or even to formally run for an office. Most have 2-3 year terms and the organization welcomes interest from new members as well as old members. There are leadership positions in the following:
Regions
APPD Board
Task Forces
Coordinators
The budget is included in the annual report (available online) and presented at the Spring Meeting. Our organization is fiscally sound and responsible. Most fees go directly to member activities and programming.
Leaders of residency programs must have the time, tools, and support to succeed. With increasing demands, membership in the APPD can be invaluable for maintenance of accreditation, implementation of competency requirements and other resources. Through collaboration, the power of shared resources actually helps avoid 'reinventing the wheel' at each program. In addition, APPD provides an academic home for vital career development and mentorship. Annual dues are based on a group rate for multiple members at your institution to benefit and keep costs per member reasonable.
The consultation program has grants to assist with program curriculum or accreditation review (up to $5000 in past). Special project grants are available (up to $10,000 in past years). Support for coordinators to attend meetings and other programs are available as well.
The APPD is dedicated to recognition of the tireless work over several years by coordinators, directors, and educators. See more details and specifics for past winners and types of awards.
The APPD was created by leaders from other pediatric organizations like the ABP, AAP and AMSPDC to focus on the unique issues in graduate medical education. The first meeting was held in 1985 and our membership has grown greatly and accomplished many things in the last 3 decades. See more details here
Visit the website (www.appd.org), email (info@appd.org) or phone (703-556-9222) for more information, membership questions, or other inquires.