The MeidasTouch Podcast Meidas Health, Episode 14: The President of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Aug 31, 2025
Dr. Susan Kressly, the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, passionately discusses the urgent need for advocacy in child health amidst recent public health leadership changes. She sheds light on the challenges pediatricians face in combating misinformation and highlights the vital role of vaccinations for young children, especially regarding COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The conversation also emphasizes the importance of reliable health resources for families and the need for pediatricians to collaborate with policymakers to protect children's wellbeing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Misinformation Versus Disinformation
- Misinformation tweaks facts unintentionally while disinformation deliberately distorts them to mislead the public.
- Expect amplified false narratives about vaccines and other child-health topics in coming weeks.
AAP's Advocacy Roots And Readiness
- Advocacy is core to AAP's 95-year history; pediatricians step beyond clinical roles when children's safety is threatened.
- AAP will sue or partner as needed to protect children if administrative decisions harm child health.
Go To Trusted Pediatric Resources
- Start with healthychildren.org for family-facing vaccine and child-health information.
- Also ask your pediatrician or pediatric clinician because they hold your child's clinical history and trust.