It seems like only yesterday when I began my three-year tenure on the Board of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association beginning as President- Elect. Now as immediate Past President I am about to attend my last meeting of the Board of Directors. Thus this is an appropriate time to reflect on some of the events that have occurred during the last three years. It has been a dynamic time to be a member of the APA. Many of the activities that have happened or are in progress are an outgrowth of the 2006 Strategic Planning Retreat. The retreat was attended by approximately 30 individuals representing virtually all sectors of the APA. Perhaps the most notable outcome of the retreat was the recent overwhelming vote of the membership to change the name of the Association to the Academic Pediatric Association. This brought closure to name change discussions that spanned more than 30 years. The new name emphasizes a broader definition of scholarship of APA members that includes both teaching and research and encompasses a diverse group of disciplines that are not all ambulatory based.

Other accomplishments over the last three years include the recent adoption of new mission and vision statements. Both of these statements are more concise and focused than the previous statements. Newly added is the APA tagline: Leadership in education, research, patient care and advocacy. Appropriately, the tagline had its formal début at the recent APA sponsored “National Leadership Conference in Academic Pediatrics”.

Work continues on defining our core values and core strengths. By aligning the mission and vision with our values and strengths, the APA will be better able to allocate resources to those activities most likely to move the agenda forward.

While we have made great progress during the last three years, we still face challenges. A major priority is to maintain and expand our membership. The APA is fortunate to have a dedicated core of individuals who volunteer an enormous amount of volunteer time. However, for the organization to remain viable, it must expand the base of active participants. Each member must decide how he or she can best contribute to the viability of the Association. The answer will be different for each individual. While the level of participation will vary the combined energy is essential to future success.

The APA must continue to promote racial, ethnic and gender diversity and expand its global view. Diversity can be enhanced by increasing efforts to recruit members who reflect the changing demographics of our country. Support of the efforts of the International Health Special Interest Group (SIG), Environmental Health SIG and other SIGs and committees with an international focus where the APA can share its leadership expertise with a broader global audience. In addition, the APA should explore ways to expand its presence as a member organization of the International Pediatric Association.

In closing, I wish to thank the members of the Academic Pediatric Association for the privilege of serving as President of this dynamic group. I will never forget the friendship and support you have afforded me. Best wishes as you continue actively working to improve the health and well being of children, their families and their communities.

Sincerely,

Claibourne I. Dungy, M.D., M.P.H.
Past President
Ambulatory Pediatric Association

Updated 04/07/08