Saleem Islam, MD, MPH, chief of pediatric surgery at the UF College of Medicine, was recently elected as the newest member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Section on Surgery Executive Committee. This is a seven-year term, with the sixth year served as chair of the section and then immediate past chair in the seventh year.
The AAP is the premier organization that represents all the specialties and physicians that care for children in the United States. The Section on Surgery aims to present a scientific program that provides state-of-the art techniques and information to pediatric surgeons. It also serves in a consulting capacity to the AAP board of directors to make recommendations for educational programs, policy statements, and other actions on matters relating to the surgical care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
“It is a great honor to be selected for this role, and I hope to serve with humility and passion,” said Islam. “There are tremendous advocacy opportunities for children with surgical care needs from this platform, and I hope to be able to utilize that to point out issues such as firearm safety, opioid abuse, and pediatric device development. Together, we can move the needle forward at all levels.”
The section also annually presents a two-and-a-half-day educational program at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition. This Section on Surgery program features two days of abstract and poster presentations, a distinguished overseas guest lecture, and a symposium panel allowing cross fertilization with other pediatric specialties. As such, it serves as one of the major organizations for pediatric surgery in North America.