Why Should I Join SOSM?

Learn about Section on Senior Members (SOSM) member value.

The SOSM needs your membership and support! We create a unique community of members who are age 55 and older. The Section is here to help senior pediatricians deal with a variety of life and career changes and to remain active in the Academy and in contact with other senior colleagues. We hope you will get involved with the activities of the section.

Advocacy

Members in the SOSM network with other pediatricians to become a stronger advocate for children. Today's political and economic climate demand that Fellows of the Academy actively advocate for children and the SOSM has a wealth of effective child advocates among its members. We also have liaisons to Committee on Federal Government Affairs (COFGA) and Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP). Other advocacy activities include:

• Participating on the SOSM Advocacy Sub-Committee which will foster development of chapter senior sections and improve advocacy skills of pediatric trainees and early career physicians
• Partner with the AAP Washington, DC office by becoming an AAP Key Contact for the SOSM. These AAP members have an opportunity to take their advocacy to the next level. They receive important assignments and can provide critical information to the AAP Department of Federal Affairs
• Work with your local Chapter to nominate members for the Donald Schiff, MD FAAP SOSM Child Advocacy Award

Communications

The Section produces a quarterly online Senior Bulletin which includes a variety of topics and archived selections entitled “Best of the Bulletin”. It is written by seniors for seniors of ALL ages and is ranked as one of the best benefits of Senior Section membership. Additionally, the Section developed a Collaboration Website which features breaking news of interest to our members, advocacy opportunities, and more.

Education

The educational program presented during the National Conference & Exhibition provides knowledge and resources on; career transitions, principles of global child health, approaches aimed at improving the health status of children, their families and communities through effective models of research and education. Some of the recent activities include:

• Recommended adult vaccines and immunizations which are especially crucial for people who have close contact with infants younger than 12 months of age, including parents, grandparents, and child-care providers
• Why advocacy is important: what can pediatricians do to speak up for children and advocate for families separated at the border
• Complimentary webinars featuring; Brain Health for Seniors, International Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors, Markers for Retirement and Senior Health Issues

Engagement

There are several ways for senior pediatricians like yourself to stay involved and engaged. For example:

• Write articles for the Online Senior Bulletin. Recent topics included gun violence, global health, measles epidemics
• Learn about current happenings and involvement opportunities through the section's collaboration site
• Keep up with electronic communications including an active SOSM listserv
• Opportunities to run for leadership positions within the Senior Section
• Resolutions at the Leadership Conference on child health initiatives and senior-related topics
• Opportunities to participate on Sub-Committees
• Provide guidance, expertise, and mentorship to early career physicians and trainees

Membership Dues

Section dues are $20 unless you are a Senior Member category of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in which case, membership in the section is complimentary.

To be eligible for the AAP National Senior Membership category, you must be in good standing and age 70 or older, or a member over age 65 who no longer derives income from professional activities. Senior Member dues are $220 and free for those 80 years and older.

Already a section member? Check out the new content recently added to SOSM Collaboration Website. Log onto the Section's collaboration site. You’ll need your AAP login and password.

Thank you for your support as we continue to make great strides on behalf of children’s health! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our staff.