By APA Staff

April 30, 2021

Dear APA Membership:

We recognize that this year’s PAS will not be the same as in years past.  This year’s conference comes at a time when we could all use the energizing feeling that going to PAS brings – the energy from gathering to learn, reconnecting with former colleagues, or making new connections in academic pediatrics. We recognize that practicing wellness in a virtual environment is challenging, therefore, we hope to offer you some tips to try to bring connection and joy to this experience.

Zoom fatigue is real.  Researchers are beginning to unravel why – Prolonged close-up eye contact is highly intense and seeing yourself during video chats constantly is tiring. On Zoom, you are often restricted in your mobility.  Trying to understand non-verbal cues on Zoom creates a much higher cognitive load than in an in-person meeting. (https://tmb.apaopen.org/pub/nonverbal-overload/)
Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Turn your camera off intermittently. Hide the self-view on your zoom settings. Allow yourself space to move around, doodle – all things you might do during an in-person meeting. If you have an external camera or an external keyboard, use them to give yourself more distance from your computer.
Building community in an online environment is difficult but not impossible!
Go outside and take a picture. Post it to the APA Connect App and let the rest of the APA community know where you are taking part in the PAS 2021 experience. Set goals for your meeting days – for example, connecting virtually with 1 senior faculty member and 1 junior faculty member. We have set up ‘virtual cafes’ to create an organic and relaxed space to connect after each day of PAS. Use the PAS app to connect with those who attend similar workshops or other sessions.
Being virtual can open new doors!
Take this time to find new affinity groups for your work.  Check out different SIG meetings – attend the various institutional virtual alumni gatherings. Since PAS is virtual, it is much easier to check out different sessions – no more walking through endless conference halls. With a click of a button, you can be in a different SIG or attending a different workshop!

Regardless of your location and fatigue from this past year, we hope that you find joy and energy in the extraordinary program of PAS. Enjoy the meeting. We cannot wait to see you in Denver in 2022.

Be Well,

APA COVID Well-being Task Force
Josette Bianchi-Hayes
Sam Bora
Paul Chung
Annamaria Church
David Cooperberg
Megan Furnari
Kajal Khanna, Co-Chair
Marie A. Leiner
Daniel Neuspiel
Mona Patel
Heidi Roman, Co-Chair
Elaine Schulte
Ariella Slovan
William Stratbucker

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