AAP Voices Blog

Why did you choose to pursue pediatric medicine? While each pediatrician may have a unique personal story, a common thread unites us all: the commitment to promoting health and wellness in children. Our journeys have been filled with rigorous training, from preparing for the Medical College Admission Test and navigating school applications to passing board exams, completing residency, and potentially pursuing subspecialty training. This extensive effort underscores our dedication to becoming the best pediatricians we can be.

Upon entering a pediatric exam room, the palpable warmth and connection are truly inspiring. This profound experience is what drew me to the field of pediatrics. The innocence and resilience exhibited by children, even in the face of complex medical challenges, is unparalleled. Additionally, the dedication of parents to ensure their child’s health and well-being is unwavering. As a pediatrician, I am deeply aligned with the families I serve, united in our shared mission to restore the innocence, health, and happiness of children. 

Throughout our careers, we engage with countless children and passionate parents, advocating daily to optimize our patients' health and well-being. However, it is crucial to remember that our responsibilities extend beyond the clinic and hospital. We have a significant role to play in enhancing children's health, safety, education, and opportunities through broader societal engagement.

Participating in elections presents a vital opportunity to shape the future of a child’s health and well-being. Here are the top 10 reasons why voting is essential for medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians dedicated to the care of children.

"Local and state elections especially are our opportunity to impact the health of our communities."

1. Influence Policy
   The primary driver for casting your ballot is its significant impact on selecting officials who will shape, refine, and enact legislation at local, state and national levels. Candidates present their goals and propose policies during their campaigns, which helps us—whether as individuals, parents, or pediatricians—make informed decisions for our communities. By electing representatives who prioritize child health and opportunities, pediatricians can advocate for their patients and support initiatives that benefit children.
2. Influencing Health Equity
   Health equity remains a struggle in all parts of our country. Disparities unfortunately continue to exist in all fields of pediatrics whether that be for patients of different races, ethnicities, or socioeconomic backgrounds, vote this year, and in every election, to tackle disparities and ensure all children have equal access to opportunity and success.
3. Strengthening Community Health
   Local and state elections are our opportunity to impact the health of our communities. From construction and upkeep of parks and recreational facilities to the funding allocated to health programs, your vote can assist in optimizing safe and enriching opportunities for families.
4. Advocating for Children’s Safety
   Legislation that revolves around children and youth services, car seat and seat belt laws, substance use and abuse resources, environmental safety initiatives, among other safety policies are influenced by those who are elected to public office. Your vote allows pediatricians to have a seat at the table, influencing those decisions.
5. Supporting Education
   Elected officials play a role in ensuring equitable quality education, providing the opportunity for school activities and funding, and serving on your local school board. We must capitalize on our opportunity to influence the quality of education and the opportunities for success we provide our patients and future generations within the public-school systems.
6. Enhancing Public Health Initiatives
   Public health initiatives, such as those focused on combating infectious diseases and promoting preventive care, are often driven by government funding and policies. Your vote can influence the allocation of resources to programs that benefit families and children. By participating in elections, you can play a part in ensuring these programs receive the attention and support they need.
7. Promoting Mental Health Awareness
   Mental health is an important aspect of pediatric care. You can select leaders who are dedicated to prioritizing mental health services, including securing essential funding and support for our communities.
8. Engaging in Civic Responsibility
   Participating in elections is a fundamental element of civic responsibility. As pediatricians, engagement in the democratic process demonstrates our commitment to improving public health, shaping the future of the healthcare system, and improving quality of life for our patients.
9. Leading by Example
   As a pediatrician, we must also accept our role as leaders in our communities. Choosing to vote in elections serves as an opportunity to lead by example. It demonstrates to our patients that we value our role as active citizens. It helps parents trust that pediatricians care about their communities beyond the conversations that occur in clinics and in the hospitals. It shows our future generations that their pediatricians are advocates.
10. Vote for Them
    This year, choose to vote not only because of the nine reasons above, but because it's our opportunity to advocate for their future – the infants, children, and teens who cannot vote are counting on us to be their voice at the ballot box.

Can't wait to see you at the polls!