• Why should I become a member of the Tennessee Chapter?

 Advocacy

  • Increase your knowledge of and participation in legislative and advocacy activities at the state level.
  • Have a voice in the legislative arena to positively influence the quality of pediatric practice and the welfare of children in Tennessee.
  • Build coalitions with other organizations working toward improving children’s health and well-being.
  • Promote the interests of Tennessee pediatricians.

 Leadership

  • Participate in chapter committees, task forces, coalition efforts, and projects in your areas of interest.
  • Shape the future of our organization.
  • Represent pediatricians across the state in government, community, steering panels and other collaborative efforts.

 Networking

  • Network with other pediatricians who have similar interests.
  • Improve Chapter membership participation on national and state AAP affairs.

 Education

  • Receive regional, group and one-on-one education on coding, EPSDT and developmental/behavioral screenings.
  • Receive Chapter newsletter, The Tennessee Pediatrician, and other informative mailings and alerts, including the Pediatric Emergency Messenger, published by our Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
  • Access the newly developed Chapter website for up-to-date pertinent information.
  • Earn CME credit at annual conferences on significant topics in pediatric care.

 What has your Chapter done lately?

  • Implemented pilot program for FY08 and FY09 to increase early diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders for children in TN.
  • One of 5 AAP Chapters to receive a $20,000 grant in 2007 for an oral health pilot program in upper East TN.
  • Conducted EPSDT, developmental/behavioral screening and pediatric coding educational programs and developed resource materials for pediatricians and office staff to help improve access to preventive care for children on TennCare.
  • Regularly met with the Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination, department Commissioners, and TennCare Bureau Directors regarding TennCare problems and solutions.
  • Launched campaign to support breastfeeding in 2007 by placing posters on 40 Nashville city busses.
  • Launched Methamphetamine Awareness Campaign in TN with Partnership for Drug Free America in 2005. 
  • Established a Committee on Young Physicians to focus on the needs of those just entering practice.
  • Established the Tennessee Pediatric Society Foundation, enabling the Chapter to qualify for and expand programs that improve children’s health and welfare in Tennessee.
  • Regularly trained pediatric residents on legislative advocacy and offer internships to fulfill advocacy requirements.
  • Assisted with the passage of the new car seat safety law in 2003; other legislative successes in the recent past includes: school nutrition, graduated drivers licensing, expansion of the bike helmet law, expansion of the seat belt requirement, day care reform and TennCare reform measures.
  • Established a statewide Pediatric Practice Managers' Network in 2002 and have since held six educational meetings.
  • Expanded to six Chapter staff in order to carry out chapter initiatives that support the interests of pediatricians and children.
  • Past reward recipients of three Excellence Awards by the TN Society of Association Executives (for coding seminars, a CME meeting and bike helmet education campaign) and the 2001 AAP Outstanding Large Chapter Award.
  • Developed a guide for negotiating managed care contracts.
  • Published 50th Anniversary Commemorative Membership Directory in 2005.


Annual Chapter Dues:

Voting Fellows $150     Candidate Fellows  $135      Post Resident Fellows $50        
Pediatric Dentists $150    Emeritus $35

(Membership in the National AAP is not required to become a State Chapter member.)

 Whom do I contact?           
Email: tnaap@aol.com       Office phone: 615/383-6004     www.tnaap.org