2011 District Meeting, Chapter Awards Presentation, July 29, 2011, Anaheim , CA. Pictured from left to right: Stuart Cohen, MD, CA District Vice-Chair, Mark Sawyer, MD, AAP-CA3 Chapter Vice-President, Meredith Kennedy, AAP-CA3 Executive Director, and Donald Miller, MD MPH, AAP-CA3 Immediate Past –President.

AAP-CA3 is dedicated to achieving physical, mental health, and social well-being for every infant, child, and adolescent in San Diego and Imperial Counties and supports our members in this endeavor. AAP-CA3 was established as a regional affiliate of AAP in September 1961 and incorporated in January 1996 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that supports San Diego and Imperial Counties. It has grown to over 500 members—local pediatricians and medical professionals.

We provide ongoing training and technical assistance to pediatric clinics on key healthcare issues affecting children and families as well as coordination and support for ongoing countywide programs that serve at-risk youth.  AAP-CA3 provides vital services and programs to children in need and their families to improve developmental, educational and family stability and helps each child reach their full potential.  Over 100,000 children and their families are impacted each year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an international organization with headquarters in Itasca, Illinois. In the United States, there are 10 geographical areas designated as districts, which represent one or more states. New York and California each comprise their own district, which is further broken down into chapters.

The state of California is District IX and has 4 chapters. Chapters 1 & 2 were originally organized in February 1955. Chapter 3 was established in October 1961 and Chapter 4 in October 1985.

California Chapters: Chapter 1 includes all 48 Northern California counties; Chapter 2 includes Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties; Chapter 3 includes Imperial and San Diego counties; Chapter 4 encompasses Orange County.

OUR VALUES & BELIEFS

Every child should have ready access to quality pediatric healthcare services in a medical home.

All decisions regarding child healthcare should be made with the best interest of children in mind.

The most effective delivery system for children is integrated.

The practice of pediatrics is a thriving
and rewarding profession.

Pediatricians are influential leaders in bringing about improved healthcare systems for children and their families.

WHAT WE DO

AAP-CA3 organizes locals events geared to entertain as well as educate. Visit our Events & Education page for the latest.

AAP-CA3 encourages advocacy amongst its members and other’s in the community who have an interest in issues affecting children. Visit our Advocacy page for convenient links and updated news.

AAP-CA3 provides countywide coordination and support to the First 5 Commission of San Diego’s Healthy Development Services (HDS) project that provides health-oriented services to children ages 0-5.

First 5 First Steps provides home visitation services for expectant parents to promote positive parenting and enhanced child health and development.

AAP-CA3 provides valuable archives and links to a variety of local, state, and nationwide resources for healthcare and child welfare professionals, parents and educators.

Reach Out and Read San Diego, a program of AAP-CA3, prepares San Diego’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.