Why APS?  Membership Matters / Members Matter

Founded in 1888, the American Pediatric Society (APS) is the first and most prestigious academic pediatric organization in North America. The APS is dedicated to the advancement of child health through the promotion of pediatric research, recognition of achievement and cultivation of excellence through advocacy, scholarship, education and leadership development. Members of APS are recognized as academic leaders in pediatrics, and they continue to contribute to the overall progress of child health while inspiring the next generation of child health professionals.

Membership Benefits

Recognition/Acknowledgement as a Leader in Pediatrics
APS members include individuals who have distinguished themselves as academic leaders, teachers and researchers whose contributions to academic pediatrics have garnered national and international recognition. Members are recognized as academic leaders within the pediatric field, and their contributions continue to be significant in advancing child health.

A Network of Child Health Professionals
Membership in APS is dedicated to the advancement of child health through promotion of pediatric research, recognition of achievement, and cultivation of excellence through advocacy, scholarship, education and leadership development, and who monitors national developments in areas related to academic pediatrics and child health research.

Advocacy for Child Health
In order to speak with one voice on behalf of child health, APS provides representation in Washington, D.C., through the Pediatric Policy Council which combines the advocacy efforts of the APS, the SPR, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs and the Academic Pediatric Association.

Other Key Benefits
  • Quarterly electronic newsletters that provide updates related to the APS and its various committees, pediatric policy, research funding opportunities, and other current issues.
  • Discounted registration for the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) Annual Meeting and an opportunity to earn CME credits for attending the meeting.
  • Access to an online directory of Leadership Development Programs, as well as links to other educational tools and helpful references. Also a subscription to the official society journal, Pediatric Research.
  • Representation on the Federation of Pediatric Organizations (FOPO) that is concerned with vital issues such as pediatric workforce and subspecialty training, education and research and representation in national and international arenas on critical issues related to pediatric research and the advancement of child health. Collaboration with SPR, AMSPDC, APA, AAP, and other health organizations on pediatric research and child health related topics.
  • Opportunities to receive one of the APS annual awards given to honor outstanding individuals for their contributions and achievements in the field of pediatrics.
  • Opportunities to serve on the APS Council and committees, the PAS Program Committee for the PAS Annual Meeting, as well as for committee participation and involvement at the national level. Opportunities to vote in Society elections.
  • Opportunities to network with colleagues at the PAS meetings, including at the APS Presidential Plenary and Awards Session, the APS Members’ Networking Lunch, and the APS Members’ Dinner.
  • Opportunities to review abstracts for presentation and serve as a session moderator, discussant or poster facilitator and opportunities to propose Invited Science, Workshops and Special Interest Groups for the PAS Annual Meeting.

Membership Categories

Active Members

Active member nominations are accepted for individuals who reside in the United States or Canada who have distinguished themselves as child health leaders, teachers, scholars, policymakers, and/or clinicians.

Honorary Members

Honorary members reside outside of the United States or Canada and otherwise meet the criteria for Active Membership as determined by the APS Council. Members are entitled to attend meetings, to submit abstracts and to present papers. These members are not entitled to vote, hold office or nominate colleagues for APS Active Membership.

Emeritus Members

Active members may request to be transferred to Emeritus membership upon the following:

  • Seventieth (70th) birthday and/or full retirement before the first day of the annual meeting of that year.
  • For health reasons and other extenuating circumstances, the APS council will determine eligibility. In the instance of any officer, Emeritus status will be deferred until completion of service on the APS Council.

Join APS – APS Encourages You to Nominate a Colleague for Membership

Our APS mission to engage distinguished leaders to who are shaping the future of academic pediatrics relies upon a strong membership base. Working together, our members are dedicated to APS’ vision of a secure future for academic pediatrics. As an APS member, you are invited to nominate your distinguished pediatric colleagues for APS membership.