aaps

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a professional association representing nearly 56 000 pediatricians and other pediatric health care professionals in the United States. Founded in 1930 as the American Pediatric Society, it adopted its current name in 1936 and has grown to become the largest specialty medical organization for children’s health care. The AAP’s mission focuses on the health and well‑being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults through advocacy, education, and practice standards.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors elected from a national membership that includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The Board elects a President‑Elect and a President each year, while a faculty council oversees clinical policy development. AAP’s major functions include publishing position statements on clinical and public health issues, producing evidence‑based guidelines such as the Well‑Child Care Framework and the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule, and engaging in research initiatives through the AAP Research Network.

AAP is influential in shaping national child health policy. It lobbies Congress, collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and provides data that informs national health statistics. The Academy’s advocacy efforts have led to increased federal investment in pediatric research and expanded Medicaid coverage for children. It also serves as a resource for parents, offering educational materials and decision aids through its website.

Controversies have arisen around the Academy’s stances on vaccine schedules and gender‑affirming care. Critics argue that some position statements may lack transparency, while supporters claim that AAP’s guidelines are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence. In recent years, the organization has revisited its policies on vaccines and, more recently, its approach to adolescent mental health. The AAP continues to adapt to evolving public health challenges, emphasizing equitable access to care, digital health innovations, and climate‑related health risks for children.