Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, previews big topics at the 2024 AAP National Conference & Exhibition

Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, editor in chief of Contemporary Pediatrics, and professor of Pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, recently discussed key topics from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conference. The AAP represents a significant body of pediatricians in the United States, and the annual conference provides them with the latest updates on critical pediatric issues.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics represents 67,000 to 68,000 pediatricians in the United States, which is an incredible number. Everybody is going there to basically hear the latest news on various different topics that they encounter in practice," said Tan.

"One of the big topics this year is RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody. Last year there was a little bit of a problem because it was a supply issue. This year, basically, they're going to talk about why it's important to immunize your patients, when you should immunize, and when moms should be immunized," Tan explained. This guidance is essential, as it addresses the practical challenges physicians face in ensuring patient access to vaccines and treatments.

Another prominent focus of the AAP conference was pediatric obesity, a growing concern across the country.

"I noticed that another big thing in this year's program has to do with obesity and how you handle obesity," she noted. Tan shared insights from her own family’s experiences, stating, "My brother and my sister are both practicing pediatricians in different areas of the [United States], and they tell me all the time people approach them about 'my child is very overweight, what can I do?'" She underscored that while medication can be part of the solution, lifestyle changes are crucial. "You cannot just rely on medication. There are other things that you can do where parents need to take some accountability for the diet and the food that the kids are eating and the exercise that they're getting."

The AAP conference continues to be a vital resource for pediatricians, providing the latest research and clinical guidance on a range of pressing health issues that impact children.

Contemporary Pediatrics will be covering the 2024 AAP National Conference & Exhibition through Tuesday, October 1, 2024.