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AAP: Support diversity in patients, medical community
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The mission of the AAP has been further bolstered in a statement issued by the organization, which promotes pediatric health and well-being for all children, regardless of race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, special needs or other factors that make the pediatric population diverse.
“The mission of the AAP has always been to attain optimal health and wellbeing for all children,” Fernando Stein, MD, FAAP, former AAP President, and colleagues wrote in a related commentary. “In recent decades, however, our understanding of the composition of ‘all children’ has changed, and it will continue changing well into the future.”
“By 2020, more than half of all U.S. children will be racial or ethnic minorities; by 2024, no single racial or ethnic group will compromise a majority of the nation’s population,” the researchers added. “There is also a growing understanding of the wide variety of children’s lives and experiences and the needs of those who face social disparities; have special needs; are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning; or who experience adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress.”
The organization mentioned that they also appreciate that the other attributes that children may exhibit, including languages spoken at home, disability and socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, the diversity of the organization itself was noted within the statement, calling to attention the AAP’s diverse group of pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric that encompass many different skills and qualities. This diversity, according to the organization, strengthens members and provides new insights to the profession.
These individuals who support the medical profession and their pediatric patients will continue to be recruited, reinforced and promoted through the AAP’s commitment to nurturing a professional environment that “treats all employees with dignity and respect.”
“Celebrating the diversity of children and families and promoting nurturing, inclusive environments means actively opposing intolerance, bigotry, bias and discrimination,” the organization said in the statement. “The AAP is committed to using policy, advocacy and education to encourage inclusivity and cultural effectiveness for all.”
Stein and colleagues also noted that the statement’s focus on diversity and inclusion reflects the organizations commitment to serving the pediatric population and to cherish every patients’ differences.
“[This focus] … reflects the fact the academy, its members and leaders represent the full tapestry of the life of America’s children,” the researchers wrote. “It is an expression of our call to speak for children and improve all aspects of their wellbeing by actively opposing ignorance, bigotry and discrimination.” – by Katherine Bortz
Disclosures: Infectious Diseases in Children was unable to determine relevant financial disclosures related to the statement prior to publication. The authors of the commentary report no relevant financial disclosures.
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American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2018. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-0193
Stein F, et al. Pediatrics. 2018. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-0177
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