Editor's note: For more coverage of the 2021 AAP Virtual National Conference & Exhibition, visit http://bit.ly/2021-AAP-Virtual-Conf-News.
If you’re extroverted, you might be disappointed we aren’t convening in person. If you’re introverted, you may be relieved. Yet everyone can agree the 2021 AAP Virtual National Conference & Exhibition is the place to get top-notch education and connect with colleagues. And when the conference concludes, you’re guaranteed to be re-energized and proud to count yourself among those who devote their careers to caring for all children.
“The National Conference Planning Group is excited for everyone to experience our re-imagined 2021 conference,” said Cassandra M. Pruitt, M.D., FAAP, chair of the planning group. “Though we are not able to connect in person in Philadelphia as we had hoped, we recognize the importance of the community coming together around the content that is critical to management of pediatric patients during this pandemic. We have included many topics that are related to COVID-19 and its impact on our pediatric population, as well as presentations on a variety of common pediatric concerns that attendees have come to expect from this conference.”
So, check out the conference schedule and website and read on to make sure you take advantage of everything the National Conference has to offer.
Live and on-demand sessions
The conference will offer more than 35 live sessions from Saturday through Monday. The live sessions also will be recorded and can be viewed later by registered attendees.
More than 115 on-demand sessions also will be available for viewing beginning Friday. These recorded sessions typically run 30-60 minutes and feature experts representing the breadth of pediatrics.
Registered attendees can view all recorded sessions until Jan. 31, 2022.
“We have also found a way to increase the continuing medical education (CME) credit available, so that you get the most from your resources and time,” Dr. Pruitt said.
Attendees can earn a maximum of 95 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and up to 20 Maintenance of Certification points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ MOC program.
To view all of the sessions being offered, visit https://aapexperience.org/schedule/. For more information on CME credit, visit https://aapexperience.org/accreditation-objectives/.
Section, council programs
Called “H programs,” these sessions take a deep dive into medical advances in pediatric specialties or areas of interest; offer information to those at a specific stage in their career; and provide a forum for brainstorming the best way to deliver care. While these programs may be geared toward section and council members, they are open to all attendees and promise to enhance your conference experience.
Among them is a joint program by the Section on Global Child Health and Section on International Medical Graduates (VH1309) from 8 a.m. to noon CDT Sunday. It will feature stories of creativity and innovation during the pandemic from partners in low- and middle-income countries. It also will include a session on the AAP’s work in advocating for the U.S. government to support global COVID-19 efforts and vaccine access.
H programs typically are longer and more in-depth than general sessions. You can tune into an entire program or just the part that is most relevant to your needs. The Conference Schedule lists all of the H programs as well as how much continuing medical education credit can be earned for attending an entire program and links to agendas.
Special events
The conference may be virtual, but there will be opportunities to have fun and connect with colleagues.
The Virtual 5K Fun Run and Walk returns, and you’ll want to get on the leaderboard. Download the Strava app from the App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions to create a profile. Then complete your 5K anytime over the meeting dates. Runners and walkers also can donate to the Friends of Children Fund.
The Pediatric Trivia Game from noon-1 p.m. CDT on Saturday will give you a chance to exercise your mind. Participants will be broken up into teams that will work together to answer questions on what you learned in medical school and hot topics in pediatrics.
Hosts Michael D. Cabana, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, Susan E. Coffin, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, and Alan Schroeder, M.D., FAAP, promise to keep the competition friendly and entertaining.
Virtual exhibits
Peruse an array of products and services from organizations specializing in pharmaceuticals, health care, infant nutrition, publications, computer technology and more. You can visit and interact with exhibitors virtually and enter drawings for company giveaways from Friday through Monday. Information from exhibitors will be available virtually until Jan. 31, 2022.
You also can participate in a scavenger hunt from Friday through Monday for a chance to win complimentary registration for the 2022 National Conference & Exhibition or an iPad.
Product theaters
Stay up to date on cutting-edge pediatric devices and products at 30-minute presentations offered during breaks between educational sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The presentations also will be recorded for later viewing.
Product theaters will offer information on respiratory syncytial virus, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, precocious puberty, allergy management, vaccines and more.
Virtual abstract hall
The AAP is showcasing abstracts of case reports, original research, program evaluations and quality improvement projects for presentation within section and council programs. The abstracts also will be featured in a virtual abstract hall. Beginning Friday, visitors to the abstract hall can view and download high-definition posters and listen to audio recordings from the authors.
Key dates
- Oct. 8: On-demand sessions available.
- Oct. 8 through Oct. 11: Live conference.
- Oct. 12 through Jan. 31, 2022: Internet enduring content available.
- Oct. 8 through Jan. 31, 2022: Continuing medical education credit must be claimed.
- Nov. 1: Registration for conference access ends.
“It is our hope that the virtual conference will make it easier for more pediatricians to safely attend, get the education they need and collaborate with one another until we can all be together again,” Dr. Pruitt said.
