Leadership & Advocacy
Our residents participate in peer nominated committees with faculty members to help with projects in areas of quality improvement, enhancing the educational experience, recruiting prospective residents, addressing the wellbeing needs of the program, and advocating for patients. Some of the committees that residents have the opportunity to be in include:
The 2024 AAP President, Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, was the invited speaker for the Bennett-Green-Linder Lectureship during the Spring of 2024, where he presented "Because All We have is Each Other: Why Pediatricians Must be Effective Advocates for Kids.”
Dr. Hoffman also spent time with the 2nd year residents during their annual retreat discussing the importance of advocacy.
We are so lucky to have the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta here on campus to serve our patients and their families! Residents gathered donations to help make our families’ stays more comfortable.
Other national and regional activities of our residents:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
A chosen resident serves a two year term as representative of our program for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). At least one of the representatives will get the opportunity to attend the annual national conference.
Former resident Dr. Desiree Rodriguez was selected as the District X Assistant District Representative of the Resident Committee of the AAP Section on Pediatric Trainees during her residency.
The American Academy of Pediatric National Conference & Exhibition provides the opportunity for professionals to come together and share their passion for the health of all children.
Our residents are also encouraged to attend the conference if they are accepted to present poster presentations on scholarly work they have done during residency. Our faculty members are also often invited to lead workshops regarding front-line topics on the management of pediatric issues at the national meeting.
Georgia AAP Chapter
Each year, residents have the opportunity to attend, participate and present poster presentations at the annual Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting.
Day at the Capitol
Our Pediatric Residents and Faculty attend Legislative Day at the Capitol each year to advocate for important issues related to the health and wellbeing of children and medical providers.
Dr. Alice Caldwell (Division of General Pediatrics) and Dr. Kate Peralta (Pediatric Resident) at the Capitol with Dr. Nathan Wilson (Community Pediatrician and former Resident), Rep. Jodi Lott, Rep. Dr. Mark Newton and Rick Ward (Executive Director of GA AAP).
Dr. David Freeman (past president of the Georgia Chapter of the AAP and current Pediatric Hospitalist meets with Rep. Mark Newton (R-Augusta) along with our Pediatric Residents.