President's Message, May 2026
Kate Tigue, MD, FAAP
Dear Colleagues,
A resilient healthcare system begins with a strong primary care foundation that is well-supported and accessible to all; this is especially critical for pediatrics. When children have access to quality, pediatric primary care, we identify problems earlier, rely less on costly, specialized services, and establish long-term health that leads to long-term adult health. Without that foundation, children fall through the cracks - not through the fault of their families, but the system that fails to support them. Right now, that is the reality in Pennsylvania.
On May 5th, I had the privilege of joining an extraordinary group of pediatricians and PA AAP's staff at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg for PA AAP's 2026 Annual State Advocacy Day. Our mission was to connect with members of all three branches of government and advocate for safeguarding pediatric primary care across the Commonwealth. Pediatrician shortages remain one of the largest challenges to that goal, affecting the quality and accessibility of care across the state. It's an even bigger obstacle in rural areas where hospital closures have been common and resources are stretched too thin.
To help address this, PA AAP focused on four priorities:
Together, these priorities aim to create a more financially secure and stable environment for pediatricians throughout Pennsylvania allowing us to focus on what we do best: keeping children healthy and safe.
I left Harrisburg encouraged and inspired by the collective efforts of the PA AAP community at this year's Advocacy Day. Our shared passion for the well-being of children resonated across party lines and the branches of government. In a climate that can feel turbulent and divisive, the day served as a strong reminder of how unifying the issue of children's health and wellness is. The voices, stories, and perspectives of our PA AAP community matter and are being heard.
Our advocacy work is never done, and I hope you will consider adding your energy and voice to the effort. In the weeks ahead you may receive reach out from PA AAP to contact your legislators as we advance these 4 priorities. Please join with us as we fight for ourselves so that we remain available to fight for the children of Pennsylvania.
Best,
A resilient healthcare system begins with a strong primary care foundation that is well-supported and accessible to all; this is especially critical for pediatrics. When children have access to quality, pediatric primary care, we identify problems earlier, rely less on costly, specialized services, and establish long-term health that leads to long-term adult health. Without that foundation, children fall through the cracks - not through the fault of their families, but the system that fails to support them. Right now, that is the reality in Pennsylvania.
On May 5th, I had the privilege of joining an extraordinary group of pediatricians and PA AAP's staff at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg for PA AAP's 2026 Annual State Advocacy Day. Our mission was to connect with members of all three branches of government and advocate for safeguarding pediatric primary care across the Commonwealth. Pediatrician shortages remain one of the largest challenges to that goal, affecting the quality and accessibility of care across the state. It's an even bigger obstacle in rural areas where hospital closures have been common and resources are stretched too thin.
To help address this, PA AAP focused on four priorities:
- Bringing Medicaid payment rates up to par with those of Medicare
- Providing medical student loan debt forgiveness to students and residents who commit to practicing in rural PA
- Strengthening qualification requirements for physicians providing a certificate of merit in medical malpractice lawsuits
- Preserving access to comprehensive science based, cost-free vaccines
Together, these priorities aim to create a more financially secure and stable environment for pediatricians throughout Pennsylvania allowing us to focus on what we do best: keeping children healthy and safe.
I left Harrisburg encouraged and inspired by the collective efforts of the PA AAP community at this year's Advocacy Day. Our shared passion for the well-being of children resonated across party lines and the branches of government. In a climate that can feel turbulent and divisive, the day served as a strong reminder of how unifying the issue of children's health and wellness is. The voices, stories, and perspectives of our PA AAP community matter and are being heard.
Our advocacy work is never done, and I hope you will consider adding your energy and voice to the effort. In the weeks ahead you may receive reach out from PA AAP to contact your legislators as we advance these 4 priorities. Please join with us as we fight for ourselves so that we remain available to fight for the children of Pennsylvania.
Best,
Kate Tigue, MD, FAAP
President, PA AAP
2024-2026
President, PA AAP
2024-2026