Voting for AAP president-elect and national officers will take place from Aug. 25 to Sept. 8. All terms begin Jan. 1, 2022. Watch for an email message that contains your personalized link to the election ballot (no additional ballot login information will be required).
Members will choose the next president-elect: Sandy L. Chung, M.D., FAAP, of Fairfax, Va., or Joseph L. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, of Cheverly, Md. The winner will serve as AAP president in 2023. Voters also will elect district officers in six of 10 districts: district chairpersons (who serve as AAP board members), district vice chairpersons (who assist and support the district chairperson when needed) and National Nominating Committee representatives (who nominate two candidates for president-elect).
For questions about election procedures, contact Katie Friedman at kfriedman@aap.org or 630-626-6296.
All eligible members are urged to vote.
The AAP National Nominating Committee has named Drs. Chung and Wright as candidates for AAP president-elect. Below are their position statements.
Joseph L. Wright, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP
Cheverly, Md.
As an active volunteer within the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) committee, council and section leadership structure for more than three decades, I have borne witness and been a direct contributor to several of the Academy’s policy, programmatic, educational and legislative victories on behalf of children and families.
Through multiple appointed leadership roles and numerous invited representations on behalf of the Academy, I have come to understand the tactical importance of professional credibility and strategic partnership in tackling challenges to optimal child health and well-being. Whether through primarily authoring, co-authoring or facilitating policy statements; working with the Washington office in framing and presenting congressional testimony; or developing recommendations on cross-cutting issues as a function of Board-commissioned task force assignments, I have come to fully appreciate the value of collaboration, perseverance and consensus-building. These attributes are essential in the successful execution of advocacy on behalf of children, the professionals who care for them and the institutions on which we all collectively depend.
I also believe in leading from within. As the oldest son of two New York City municipal employees who dedicated their life’s work to public service, I have grown to respect leadership humility and have worked to incorporate this principle into my own leadership walk. I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be an AAP member at this important moment of inflection for our organization and for our country. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve and lead.
Sandy L. Chung, M.D., FAAP
Fairfax, Va.
Every child deserves high-quality, affordable health care. The pandemic has revealed new layers of longstanding challenges that must be addressed.
Equity
Combating systemic racism and inequity is essential to our organization and our nation’s health. As a child of immigrants growing up in poverty, I experienced racism firsthand and will work with you to combat it. Together, we will champion the AAP Equity Agenda, including supporting pediatricians who identify and care for racial trauma and empowering the delivery of culturally and linguistically effective care.
Mental health
In my practice, we have seen the enormous strain on the emotional well-being of our patients, families and colleagues. To help with this, I worked collaboratively in Virginia founding a $7.5 million statewide pediatric mental health access program. I am committed to finding similar creative solutions and building resilience together.
Lifestyle
Our professional and personal lives are intertwined, and maintaining balance is priority. The AAP must address the burden of button-clicking metrics in our electronic health records, strengthening the medical home, including ensuring adequate payment, and supporting the diminishing workforce and uneven distribution of specialists. As a working parent and pediatrician in practice, I know these challenges, and we will join forces to solve them.
Strength
Pro-child policies and regulations based on scientific, evidence-based research are critical for optimal child health outcomes. United we can be the strongest voice for our youngest and most vulnerable. As a passionate advocate for children, I would be honored to serve all of you as we create a brighter future.
Editor’s note:Information was submitted by the candidates.
District I
Patricia J. Flanagan, M.D., FAAP (incumbent)
East Greenwich, R.I.
District vice chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Professor and senior vice chair of pediatrics, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, W. Alpert Medical School, Brown University
Medical school and post-graduate education
SUNY Buffalo Medical School
Residency program and fellowship
Buffalo Children’s Hospital pediatric residency, Brown University/R.I. Hospital fellowship in general academic pediatrics
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- District I vice chair
- Council on Community Pediatrics Executive Committee (2013-’17)
- Task Force on the Future of Pediatric Practice (2013-’15)
- Member, Section on Adolescent Health, Section on Administration and Practice Management, Council on Community Pediatrics
- Rhode Island Chapter president (2011-’14); R.I. Chapter Board since 1998
- Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, Academic Pediatric Association, American Pediatric Society (current member)
Why should voters choose you?
This is a critical time for leadership in protecting and promoting child health and family wellness and the wellness of our profession. We face the crisis in child and family health wrought by a long and unprecedented pandemic. Our country is beginning to grapple with its racist foundations and the health inequities we have for too long assumed were inevitable. I am excited to support the nine chapters of District I at this critical time, and bringing their voices to the national conversation would be an honor.
Rebecca Bell, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP
Burlington, Vt.
National Nominating Committee candidate
Professional titles
Pediatric critical care physician at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont
Medical school and post-graduate education
Received M.D. at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and M.P.H. in clinical effectiveness at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Residency program and fellowship
Pediatrics residency and pediatric critical care fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- AAP Vermont Chapter president (2019-’22), previously served as chapter vice president
- Completed the AAP Young Physician Leadership Alliance program
- Injury prevention project director for the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program
- Serves on the Vermont Child Fatality Review Team
- Appointed to the Governor’s Community Violence Prevention Task Force
- Serves on the Leadership Council of the Vermont Medical Society
- Served on the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Committee on Faculty Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure
Why should voters choose you?
The AAP has an important and powerful voice in advocating for children, families and pediatricians. While guiding my state chapter’s advocacy efforts, I have been grateful for the support from national AAP leaders and staff. As the Academy continues its critical work, it’s important that our leaders reflect the diversity of our members and our patient population. Recruitment, mentorship and ongoing support of our members is crucial in fostering leadership, as is valuing the diversity of work that our members and future leaders engage in. It would be an honor to be a part of the National Nominating Committee’s work on these efforts.
District III
Margaret “Meg” C. Fisher, M.D., FAAP (incumbent)
Sea Bright, N.J.
District chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Medical director of clinical and academic excellence, Monmouth Medical Center, and
special adviser to the commissioner, New Jersey Department of Health
Medical school and post-graduate education
University of California at Los Angeles, M.D.
Residency program and fellowship
Pediatric residency and pediatric infectious disease fellowship at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- District III chair
- PREP and PREP:ID workgroups
- Committee on Infectious Diseases (Red Book)
- Committee on Continuing Medical Education
- Section on Infectious Diseases Executive Committee, then chair
- Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, U.S. government
- Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council
- AAP Global Immunization Advocacy Project Advisory Committee
- AAP/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pediatric anthrax, smallpox, botulism and Zika projects
- Pediatric Preparedness Tabletop Exercise, CDC
- Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network, Adolescent and Young Adult Health, Health Resources and Services Administration and New Jersey Department of Health
- Pennsylvania Chapter member
- N.J. Chapter member and officer
Why should voters choose you?
My goal is to continue to serve as the chair of dynamic District III. I want to continue to lead this incredible group of people as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we have faced innumerable challenges and learned incredible lessons. Each state chapter and our sections and committees have been very strong advocates. In addition, we have faced our history of racism, and every group has started equity and diversity committees. My goal is to continue to listen closely and bring your issues and ideas to the Board. It would be my honor to be re-elected.
District IV
Christopher F. Bolling, M.D., FAAP
Cincinnati
National Nominating Committee candidate
Professional titles
Practicing pediatrician, Pediatric Associates of Northern Kentucky
Medical school and post-graduate education
M.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency program and fellowship
Residency and chief residency, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- Former chair, Section on Obesity
- Obesity Task Force chair, Kentucky Chapter
- Parenting at Mealtime and Playtime Steering Committee member, Ohio Chapter
- Member, Section on Administration and Practice Management, Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Wellness, Section on Telehealth Care
- Author, AAP policy statement on bariatric surgery
- Contributing author, AAP obesity clinical practice guideline
- Visiting professor for AAP Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight
- AAP Annual Leadership Forum (ALF) attendee, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019
- Workshop leader, AAP ALF, 2017 and 2018
- Reference Committee member, AAP ALF, 2019
Why should voters choose you?
A powerful voice for policy and practices that promote child health and support the professionals who are central to that mission, AAP needs competent and passionate leaders who reflect our diverse profession and nation. AAP and District IV have many such leaders from diverse backgrounds and practice settings. As a full-time general pediatrician in northern Kentucky, I have been active in leadership in the Section on Obesity and the Kentucky Chapter. If elected to the National Nominating Committee, I will identify and recruit current and future leaders who will diligently work to improve the health of all children.
Debra Sowell, M.D., FAAP
Bowling Green, Ky.
National Nominating Committee candidate
Professional titles
Recently retired, general pediatrician for 35-plus years, multispecialty group
Current volunteer physician coordinator for regional COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Medical school and post-graduate education
University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1982 graduate
Residency program and fellowship
Residency, pediatrics, Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., 1982-’85.
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- Former Kentucky Chapter vice president and president — involved in hiring first executive director for state and establishing yearly career day for residents
- Former member of AAP Committee on Pediatric Workforce; chair of now defunct subcommittee on women
- Member of Section on Senior Members Executive Committee
- Member of Committee on Development
- Former member of American Board of Pediatrics subcommittee on recertification, pilot testing
- Former AAP appointee/representative on UnitedHealthcare Scientific Advisory Board
- Attended AAP Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.
Why should voters choose you?
I have been involved in the AAP for over 30 years. Since I have retired recently, I feel I have the time and energy remaining to tackle this very important position. I know about the “workings” of the AAP more now than ever before — chapter level, elected section executive committee member, appointed national committee member and representing the AAP with associated organizations have all increased my understanding of the AAP, and I hope to be able to continue to use that knowledge in the position as District IV National Nominating Committee member.
District VI
Dennis M. Cooley, M.D., FAAP (incumbent)
Topeka, Kan.
District chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Shawnee County Kansas Health Department, senior consultant to health officer
Medical school and post-graduate education
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Residency program and fellowship
University of Kansas Medical Center
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- Member of the AAP and Kansas Chapter since 1985
- Three-time president of the Kansas Chapter
- AAP Committee on Federal Government Affairs (2010-’19)
- AAP Subcommittee on Access chair (2016-’19)
- AAP Task Force on Policy Development (2017)
- AAP District VI chair (2019-present)
- AAP Board of Directors (2019-present)
- AAP Board Committee on Policy chair (2020-present)
Why should voters choose you?
I have served AAP District VI as chair and representative on the Board of Directors since 2019. I have worked extensively on the Board Committee on Policy for three years trying to improve the process. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made but know there is much more to do in this area. I have a good knowledge of the Board and its functioning. I also have three years’ experience in the role of District VI chair and the needs of our district. I would be honored to continue to serve District VI as its chairperson.
Claudia K. Preuschoff, M.D., FAAP (incumbent)
Poplar Bluff, Mo.
District vice chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Primary care pediatrician at Poplar Bluff Pediatric Associates
Medical school and post-graduate education
Wake Forest University, M.D., 1983
Residency program and fellowship
Vanderbilt University
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- District VI vice chairperson
- Previous chapter president and member of Committee on Hospital Care
- Community Advisory Council Missouri Foundation for Health
- Whole Kids Outreach Advisory Board
Why should voters choose you?
I very much enjoy serving my district as the vice chairperson, getting to know our chapter leaders and our future leaders. I see my role as supporting all the chapters in District VI, connecting the chapters in shared initiatives and providing assistance to our chapters and leaders in any way.
District VII
Tammy M. Camp, M.D., FAAP
Shallowater, Texas
National Nominating Committee candidate
Professional titles
Professor of pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
Medical school and post-graduate education
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Residency program and fellowship
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Pediatrics, Lubbock
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- Participant in two AAP Chapter Quality Network Projects: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and asthma
- Texas Pediatric Society: Committees (Fetus and Newborn, Adolescent, Early Childhood, Foster Care, Emergency Preparedness, Executive Legislative), Task Forces (Quality Improvement, Member Education/Annual Meeting, Membership, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), Executive Board Member (member-at-large, chair West Region, secretary-treasurer, president), Advocacy Day team leader
- Texas Medical Association, Lubbock County Medical Society
- Association of Pediatric Program Directors
- Health Advisory Committee, Texas Tech Early Head Start Program
- TEACH TX Collaborative
Why should voters choose you?
As an academic pediatrician, I spend half of my time seeing patients in a faculty practice, while the other half is spent directing a residency program. I relate to the pressures of the practicing pediatrician; yet I understand the critical role the Academy plays in educating our future and current pediatricians. Significant challenges face pediatricians: financial viability of pediatric practice, advocating for evidence-based care for children, understanding health care disparities and confronting their root causes, and maintaining one’s own wellness. Academy leadership must be thoughtful and collaborative in their approach; I desire to seek out leadership that can promote this.
District IX
Yasuko Fukuda, M.D., FAAP (incumbent)
San Francisco
District chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Managing pediatrician partner, Pacific Pediatrics Medical Group, San Francisco
Medical school and post-graduate education
Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minn., 1991
Residency program and fellowship
Children’s Hospital Oakland, Calif., pediatrics, 1994
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- President California Chapter 1 (2005-’07)
- Continuing Medical Education Committee, Chapter 1 (2005-present)
- National Nominating Committee District IX representative (2007-’10)
- AAP News Editorial Advisory Board (2010-’12)
- District IX vice chairperson (2012-’18)
- District IX chairperson (2019-present)
- AAP Board committees – Finance, Membership, Equity
- AAP liaison to Japanese Pediatric Society
- Member of Sections on Infectious Diseases and Administration and Practice Management
- Member of Councils on Immigrant Child Health and Community Pediatrics
- California Immunization Coalition, board member
- Pedi Federation/Practice Well Advisory Board
Why should voters choose you?
As a leader within an organization that is passionate about caring for children and families, I have learned the real value of the AAP. Despite challenging times, I helped guide medical care in an evolving pandemic, address health disparities and racism, and support wellness among our members. At the same time, I successfully transitioned a new executive director for legislative work and collaboration of child advocacy partners in California. We are emerging stronger and rejuvenated to continue engaging our diverse group of generalists, specialists, trainees and young pediatricians. We must continue advocating for optimal physical and mental health for all.
Zoey J. Goore, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP
Sacramento, Calif.
District chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Pediatric hospitalist, The Permanente Medical Group
Assistant physician in chief, COVID vaccinations, Sacramento
Assistant physician in chief, Women’s and Children’s Center (neonatal intensive care unit, labor and delivery, mom/baby, pediatric hospital-based services, pediatric intensive care unit)
Assistant physician in chief, pediatric subspecialty, pediatric surgery, outpatient quality,
equity, inclusion and diversity
Medical school and post-graduate education
Medical College of Wisconsin, M.D.
University of California, Davis, M.P.H.
Residency program and fellowship
University of California, Los Angeles
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- Chapter vice president
- Chapter president
- AAP California Continuing Medical Education Committee
- AAP Committee on Continuing Medical Education
- AAP Section on Hospital Medicine Executive Committee
- AAP Technical Assistance and Resource Center Committee
- Board member, Sacramento Child Abuse Prevention Council
Why should voters choose you?
Pediatricians entered the pandemic suffering from burnout. Living through the pandemic has added exhaustion to burnout. Our patients are also struggling. Struggling with the effects of racism, poverty, mental health stressors and access to services. We need to be united in our advocacy for our patients and ourselves. I am someone who listens, collaborates and builds consensus. Everyday people tell me that they are coming to me because they know I will listen and will work to change things for the better. Part of this work is to shape our professional home (AAP) into a home for all pediatricians.
Eric H. Ball, M.D., FAAP
Irvine, Calif.
District vice chairperson candidate
Professional titles
Primary care pediatrician at Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates, a member of the CHOC Primary Care Network
Medical school and post-graduate education
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, M.D., 2002
Residency program and fellowship
Stanford University Pediatric Residency Program, 2005, chief resident, 2006
Involvement in the AAP and other organizations
- AAP California Chapter 4 past president and chapter immunization representative
- AAP California Board secretary
- Orange County Medical Association Board of Directors and co-chair, Committee on Legislation
- California Immunization Coalition Board of Directors and co-chair, Emerging Issues Committee
- California Medical Association delegate to annual House of Delegates
- California Surgeon’s General’s Trauma-informed Primary Care Implementation Task Force
- CHOC Primary Care Network, executive committee member
Why should voters choose you?
As district vice chairperson, I will focus on three issues that have come to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- The well-being (both professionally and personally) of pediatricians: I will advocate for better insurance reimbursement, strengthening of the medical home and improvement of our work/life balance.
- Diversity, equity and inclusion: I will help with the AAP’s continued efforts to fight for more equitable health care access, as well as diversifying our pediatric leadership and workforce.
- The importance of immunizations and preventative health care: I will focus on combating vaccine hesitancy, increasing well-child care and encouraging developmental and trauma screening.
There are no open positions in Districts II, V, VIII and X.
