Program Directors Handbook

If you are new to the APPD or to the role of Program Director - or just need a refresher - the Program Directors Handbook is a valuable Resource.

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Program Directors' Executive Committee

Caren Gellin, MD

Chair (2026 - 2027)
Program Director
University of Rochester Golisano Children's
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642


Nicola (Nikki) Orlov, MD

Chair-Elect (2026 - 2027)
Program Director
University of Chicago
5721 S. Maryland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637


Daniel Sklansky, MD

Past Chair (2026 - 2027)
Program Director
University of Wisconsin
600 Highland Ave, H4/418
Madison, WI 53792-4108


Alissa Darden, MD

(2026 - 2029)
Program Director
University of Washington
2133 N 172nd Street
Shoreline, WA 98133


Caroline (Carrie) Rassbach, MD, MA

(2024 - 2027)
Program Director
Stanford University
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304


Ingrid Walker-Descartes, MD, MPH, MBA

(2025 - 2028)
Program Director
Maimonides Medical Center/Infants & Children's Hospital of Brooklyn
4802 Tenth Ave, Dept of Peds
Brooklyn, NY 11207


Grassroots Forum for Program Directors

The Grassroots Forum for Program Directors is a combination town hall meeting and an opportunity for job-related or regulatory presentations, with emphasis on the meeting aspects. It takes place each year at the APPD Annual Spring Meeting.

Program Directors may self-nominate to be a facilitator for a 3-year term. Current facilitators review and put forward one name to be approved by the APPD Board and replace a previous facilitator.

Current facilitators of the Grassroots Forum for Program Directors are:

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