About
PA AAP’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee was formed in November of 2020, in response to growing calls for racial justice in the United States. The Committee includes over 10 PA AAP members, who are committed to realizing diversity and inclusion in the field of pediatrics, as well as promoting health equity in the state of Pennsylvania. The DEI Committee supports the Chapter’s mission of promoting the health and well-being of all children and is committed to confronting all challenges to the health and well-being of children using a health equity lens. Health equity is defined as the attainment of the highest level of health for all people. Unfortunately, studies have demonstrated that there is a more than ten percent difference in access to well child visits between black infants and white infants in Pennsylvania. The life expectancy for a newborn in Pennsylvania is strongly associated with zip code; a newborn in certain census tracts of North Philadelphia has a life expectancy of 63 years, while newborns born just a few miles to the south are expected to live to 86.
Goals
One of the primary goals of the Committee is to engage in activities that strengthen diversity and inclusion in the field of pediatrics. This includes promoting employment opportunities for diverse populations, as well as promoting the appointment of minority pediatric health care providers to leadership roles within the PA AAP and beyond. Another key priority of the committee is to identify opportunities to address gaps in health equity in Pennsylvania, particularly those health equity gaps that affect the health and well-being of children in the Commonwealth. The purpose of the committee is to provide direction and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion activities relevant to the needs of the state and consistent with the national AAP Equity Agenda.
Leadership
Meet the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair:
Tiffany Cooke, MD
Chair
Chair
MembershipThe Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee welcomes all PA AAP members to contribute to the Chapter’s efforts surrounding antiracism and DEI initiatives. The PA AAP relies on the expertise and experience of its members for advocacy and resource development related to DEI initiatives. The Committee also welcomes non-PA AAP community partners to engage with our efforts. If you are a community organization that would like to partner with the DEI Committee, please reach out to us using the comment box below. Members with experience working with patients from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to join the committee and contribute to committee projects and activities.
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Why Should I Join?Whether you are interested in making DEI, health equity or access to care a focus of your career, or you are committed to anti-racism in your personal life/medical practice, becoming a member of the DEI Committee could afford you the opportunity to make your mark on pediatric medicine in Pennsylvania!
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Resources
View the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Charter here.
The DEI Committee has developed a list of resources to help pediatric healthcare providers approach their practice, advocacy and research using a health equity lens. Access the DEI toolkit here.
View the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Charter here.
The DEI Committee has developed a list of resources to help pediatric healthcare providers approach their practice, advocacy and research using a health equity lens. Access the DEI toolkit here.