American Academy of Pediatrics hosts 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

(Press-News.org) Media Contacts: Lisa Black, lblack@aap.org, 630-626-6084  

Adam Alexander, aalexander@aap.org, 630- 626-6765 

Jamie Poslosky, jposlosky@aap.org, 202-724-3301 

Devin Mazziotti, dmazziotti@aap.org, 202-724-3308 

 

WASHINGTON, DC – The 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition presents exciting new research and policies concerning children’s health this year in the nation’s capital, where more than 10,000 pediatric medical professionals will arrive from across the country and world. 

The conference, held Oct. 20-24, 2023, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., provides a platform for pediatric health professionals to present original research on newsworthy topics that include the national opioid crisis; obesity prevention and treatment; the toll of firearms; mental health challenges; and more. The American Academy of Pediatrics will release two new policy statements: one that proposes bold reforms in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and another that examines the impact of noise on children’s hearing. The AAP also will release a clinical report that questions the need for increasingly prevalent “toddler formulas” in children’s diets.  

A selection of education sessions will also be livestreamed and recorded for all attendees to view through January 31, 2024. 

"This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who care for children to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges and re-energize for the coming year," said Cassandra Pruitt, MD, FAAP, chair of the 2023 Conference Planning Group.  "Attendees travel from all over the world and represent all types of pediatric professions and work settings - from outpatient practices and hospitals to schools and mobile healthcare units. We all share a common goal to improve the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents and young adults. I am so proud of the program that has been created by the Planning Group and I know there will be something for everyone in Washington, DC." 

Journalists are strongly encouraged to register for press credentials in advance. Those who seek to be registered as press after the conference begins may experience delays. 

Abstracts to be presented at the conference will be available to registrants on the conference website at 12:01 am ET Friday, Oct. 20.   

Special events of interest to journalists include: 

FRIDAY, OCT. 20, 2023:  

Policy Statement Release:  AAP  Calls for Bold, Sweeping Changes to Childen’s Health Insurance  

1-2 p.m. ET, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 146C 

The AAP proposes combining the existing Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) ,which would bring the nation one step closer to achieving equity and dismantling effects of structural racism, according to a new policy statement.  Lead authors Jean L. Raphael, MD, MPH, and Jennifer Kusma, MD, MS, will discuss the statement, “Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program: Optimization to Promote Equity in Child and Young Adult Health” during a conference session, “Current  State  and  Vision  for  a  Future  Medicaid/Children's  Health Insurance  Program.” Authors will be available for interviews. Contact AAP Public Affairs to request an embargoed copy of the policy statement and interview with an author. 

AAP Clinical Report Release: Toddler Formulas are Unregulated and Unnecessary- Here’s What Parents Need to Know  

2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 146C 

This session repeats from 7:30-8:30 a.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 21, in the Convention Center, 207A 

Formulas for older infants and toddlers are increasingly promoted in North America for which, unlike infant formulas, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no regulatory role. George Fuchs, MD, FAAP, lead author of the newly released clinical report, “Older Infant-Young Child “Formulas,” discusses the different names, compositions, benefit claims, and co-branding with infant formulas that has unsurprisingly created confusion among health care providers and parents. Get your questions answered in this session, “ “Toddler Formula, Growing Up Milk, Transition Formula: What’s in a Name?” Authors of the statement will be available for interviews. Contact AAP Public Affairs to request an embargoed copy of the report and an interview. 

SATURDAY, Oct. 21, 2023 

AAP Soundbite Session 

Noon- 1:30 p.m. ET, Press Room 102 AB  

Every year, AAP Public Affairs selects some of the most newsworthy abstracts to be presented at the conference. This is a great opportunity to meet with these authors in the Press Room, where they will give brief presentations on their work and be available for interviews. Breakfast will be provided.   

AAP Policy Statement Release: Turn Down the Noise- How Children’s Hearing is Impacted 

2-3 p.m. ET, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 206 

The parent’s universal cry in response to loud music-- “Turn that thing down!” -- is well-founded, as evidence shows that children and teens risk hearing loss by cranking up their personal listening devices. What families may not realize is that children are exposed to potentially harmful noise from infancy and that the effects are cumulative over a lifetime. Authors Sophie J. Balk, MD, FAAP, and Brian K. Reilly, MD, FAAP, discuss the common sources and effects of noise, from infant sleep machines to fireworks during a session, “Noise 201: More than Headphones!” The authors will be available for interviews about the policy statement, “Preventing Excessive Noise Exposure in Infants, Children, and Adolescents” and its accompanying technical report, both published at 12:01 a.m. ET Oct. 21 in Pediatrics online. Contact AAP Public Affairs to request an embargoed copy of the policy statement or an interview. 

AAP Clinical Report Release: Toddler Formulas are Unregulated and Unnecessary -- Here’s Why  

7:30-8:30 a.m., ET Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 207A 

Formulas for older infants and toddlers are increasingly promoted in North America for which, unlike infant formulas, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has no regulatory role. George Fuchs, MD, FAAP, lead author of the newly released clinical report, “Older Infant-Young Child “Formulas,” discusses the different names, compositions, benefit claims, and co-branding with infant formulas that has unsurprisingly created confusion among health care providers and parents. Get your questions answered in this session, “ “Toddler Formula, Growing Up Milk, Transition Formula: What’s in a Name?” Authors of the statement will be available for interviews. Contact AAP Public Affairs to request an embargoed copy of the report and an interview. 

SUNDAY, Oct. 22, 2023 

AAP Soundbite Session 

8 a.m-9:30 a.m. ET, Press Room 102 AB  

Every year, AAP Public Affairs selects some of the most newsworthy abstracts to be presented at the conference. This is a great opportunity to meet with these authors in the Press Room, where they will give brief presentations on their work and be available for interviews. Breakfast will be provided.   

MONDAY, Oct. 23, 2023 

Plenary: Anthony Fauci, MD Recognized as an Honorary Fellow  

The AAP recognizes Dr. Anthony S. Fauci's decades of distinguished leadership, dedication, wisdom, and service to children and families with an Honorary Fellow designation, which represents the highest distinction and expression of gratitude by the Academy. 

TUESDAY, Oct. 24, 2024 

Plenary: Remarks by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services LIVESTREAM 

10:30 a.m. -noon ET, Convention Center Ballroom AB 

Hear remarks from Xavier Becerra, the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the United States, as he shares insights into child health policy. 

For information about covering the conference, including how to register, media guidelines, press room arrangements and daily meeting highlights, visit the AAP News Room or contact AAP Public Affairs at commun@aap.org or 630-626-6177. The on-site Press Office will be located at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 102 AB. Reporters must check in at the main registration desk at the conference to obtain media credentials. Embargoed news releases and abstracts are available by request.  

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.  

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