Sponsored Fellows Reflect on NCE Attendance

This year TNAAP covered the registration costs for two young physicians to attend the AAP National Conference and Exhibition in Denver.

Dr. Samantha Lee writes “I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2025 AAP National Conference through the support of TNAAP. As a primary care pediatrician, I am front row to the complex challenges physicians face as we care for families and our Tennessee communities.

In the last few months alone, I have seen families come to the office with increased confusion and even fear as they try to navigate what can seem like an ever changing landscape of information. As an early career physician, I sometimes feel discouraged trying to promote safe and effective care amidst so many challenges.

Throughout the National Conference, a shared sense of camaraderie and steadfastness was present. The opening plenary session greeted us with a whimsical musical performance in tribute to Virginia Apgar, who developed her eponymous neonatal health score after being discouraged from a career in surgery. We then enjoyed a call to action from keynote speaker Dr. Will Flanary (AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken), an ophthalmologist and internet comedian who delivers poignant commentary of our healthcare system through humor. And of course, AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly provided moving words reminding us that we must continue to do what we have always done as pediatricians – persist in the midst of challenges as we care for children.

Ultimately, we remembered that the AAPs very founding was based on our dedication to promoting the health and well being of children. As a pediatric community, we are no strangers to challenges – that “even in the darkest times, we fight for what matters most.”

While I left the conference with new clinical knowledge, I appreciate the opportunity to be with colleagues from around the country who are showing up to care for children every day. I look forward to continuing the important work of providing quality care for the children of Tennessee alongside our wonderful community of pediatric providers.”

Dr. Erin Von Klein writes “Thanks to the generous support of the Tennessee Chapter of the AAP Endowment Fund, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE) in Denver, Colorado. It was an inspiring and energizing weekend filled with cutting-edge science, practical clinical updates, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and leaders in pediatrics from across the country.

The conference opened on Friday with excellent clinical sessions, including “Tips for Managing Atopic Dermatitis” and an update on Congenital CMV screening, both of which offered immediately applicable insights for clinical practice. I also had the opportunity to present my research during the poster session and attend the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine opening session, where experts discussed emerging evidence and priorities for the field of Neonatology. The day concluded with networking opportunities and welcome events, including our District IV networking event, providing a wonderful chance to meet peers and mentors from across the country.

Saturday offered a rich array of sessions highlighting both advances in neonatal care and the broader challenges facing children and families. Highlights included sessions on neonatal neurocritical care (which announced changes to guidelines for cooling in the setting of HIE) and complex care navigation (which included an interesting talk on the potential impacts of Medicaid cuts). I also attended the TN Chapter’s Happy Hour, which provided a great opportunity for connecting with colleagues from across our state.

It was especially exciting to see so many Tennessee pediatricians represented among the national speakers. Presentations from colleagues such as Dr. Trent Rosenbloom (AI and informatics in pediatrics), Dr. Buddy Creech (vaccine innovation), Dr. Toni Whitaker (special education advocacy), Dr. Regan Williams (firearm injury prevent forum) and many others highlighted the tremendous leadership and expertise coming from our state.

Attending NCE not only strengthened my clinical knowledge but also was an excellent opportunity to expand my professional network and meet with passionate pediatricians from across the country. I’m already looking forward to next year’s AAP National Conference, which will be held in San Diego in October 2026, and I hope to see many of you there.”