The Power of Coming Together

I recently had the amazing experience of attending the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) national conference and exhibition held in Denver, Colorado. This breathtakingly beautiful city hosted over 10,000 attendees, mainly pediatricians from all over the US and internationally as well. This served as a great opportunity to share knowledge, make connections, learn and gain inspiration while working together to advocate for the health of children globally.

At the Conference with the famous Big Blue Bear peering inquisitively through the large windows at the Denver Convention Center.

There were two main events that really inspired me and gave me food for thought. One was meeting the current AAP president Dr Susan Kressly, a really down-to-earth woman and consummate professional who did not seem to mind at all the bunch of Trinis that ended up sharing her dining table (that’s a story for another time!). In her plenary session, Dr Kressly spoke passionately about the challenges currently facing the medical profession, and the need now, more than ever, to advocate for and stand as beacons of truth for our patients and their families, taking a stand against the spread of misinformation and ensuring that families make informed choices based on the best evidence. “Science must lead, not politics,” was Dr Kressly’s powerful statement.

The second stand-out event was meeting one of my social media heroes Dr William Flanary (aka Dr Glaucomflecken), an actual ophthalmologist who is best known for his podcasts and social media presence, where he pokes fun at the different medical specialties. His portrayal of the classic pediatrician always wore a rainbow unicorn headband (cue an explosion of similar rainbow unicorn headbands at the event). Dr Flanary shared the inspirational story of his own health challenges (including being a two-time cancer survivor and living to tell the tale after surviving a cardiac arrest at home) and his turning to humour to help him process everything that had happened. He encouraged all those present to use social media as a force for truth, and to stand up against misinformation.

Meeting Dr William Flanary (aka Dr Glaucomflecken)

I left the event inspired, touched and thoughtful…it was good to know that pediatricians globally faced the same challenges of ensuring our patients and families were empowered to make informed choices based on best evidence, and standing up against misinformation. But the bigger lesson for me was that we are powerful when we stand together – as advocates for the children that we treat, and their families that we have the privilege of working alongside. Together we can fight back against the wave of misinformation that we are often faced with, and above all, keep powerfully showing up for the children we serve.

I’m wearing my rainbow unicorn headband proudly!

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.