Format of Meetings

The purpose of the AMSPDC annual meeting is to provide a setting in which individuals facing similar challenges and problems can come together and meet with each other both formally and informally. The group regularly considers issues related to patient care, research, education, management and finance. Formats include workshops, didactic presentations, reports and committees. AMSPDC usually meets during the first part of March.

The Frontiers in Science Program is organized by an individual appointed by the President of AMSPDC. The purpose of this meeting is to expose pediatric housestaff in training to a number of outstanding investigators with the aim of stimulating interest in their pursuing an academic career. Approximately 1/3 of the Departments Chairs are invited each year to ask one of their housestaff to attend the meeting. Travel to and from the meeting needs to be met by the Pediatric Department involved. Support of speakers, lodging and food is provided through an educational grant given to AMSPDC by Abbott Nutrition. It is expected that each Chair sponsoring a house officer to attend the PSDP/Frontiers in Science meetings will arrive in time to attend both the PSDP presentations as well as the Frontiers in Science programs. All Chairs are invited to any Frontiers in Science programs if they wish to do so.

Additionally, Pediatric Chairs should be aware of the Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP) developed by AMSPDC, to support outstanding scientific training for young investigators. Part of the purpose of inviting housestaff to each annual AMSPDC meeting is to encourage them to participate in the Pediatric Scientist Development Program. Noteworthy, any pediatric resident desirous of seeking research training can apply to PSDP. You may learn about the program by going to psdp.yale.edu.

Each year the PSDP fellows are invited to present their work to the resident attendees and Pediatric Chairs. A major reason for doing this is to demonstrate to resident attendees how much can be accomplished in the way of research training over a period of 2-3 years. The details of how to apply for PSDP fellowship are reviewed with residents during the meeting. Mailings about this program are also made to each Chair on a regular basis.

Every three years, a New Chairs meeting is organized. The meeting addresses issues of management, finance, programming, and leadership that all Chairs face.

Once every three years, AMSPDC meets together with COMSEP, the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics. This group functions as a subcommittee of AMSPDC. COMSEP meets by itself for two years and then the third year meets together with AMSPDC. Each Department Chair is asked to support the participation of their Medical Student Clerkship Director in the activities of this Committee. Additionally, there is a Pediatric Department Administrators Group (Association of Administrators in Academic Pediatrics) which meets yearly at a time separate from that of AMSPDC.