Tuesday, July 18, 2017

USA Medical Student Lauren Nelson Attends American Academy of Pediatrics Meeting

Lauren Nelson, a fourth-year medical student at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, attended the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) District III and District X meeting in Naples, Fla.

Nelson, who previously has served as an assistant district representative on the Medical Student Committee, recently was appointed district X student representative. “I feel like I have a bit more responsibility now as a district representative,” Nelson said.

Nelson stays busy on the committee by connecting with medical students in district X - which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico - and keeping them updated on things going on in the medical student committee. The goal of the medical student committee is to support and encourage medical students interested in pediatrics.

In addition, Nelson also serves as the mentorship work group chair for the committee. They are currently working on integrating PedsConnect, a forum where medical students can submit questions to pediatric faculty and resident experts with the AAP Mentorship Platform in order to encourage conversation between students and mentors. “It is a great opportunity to network and form relationships with mentors,” Nelson said.

During the conference, Nelson presented her experiences and work to district X leadership, including the district chair, state chapter presidents, vice presidents and executive directors and upcoming district leadership. She was excited to network within the conference. Nelson said a highlight of the conference was meeting AAP president-elect Colleen Kraft.

Nelson encourages other medical students interested in a career in pediatrics to get involved with the AAP. “The AAP is an organization full of mentors who are passionate about pediatrics and want to share their knowledge with you. Everyone I have met within the AAP wants to connect you to others and help you build a professional network,” she said.

Nelson also enjoys the relationships she has built with other medical students through the AAP. “I am so grateful that the AAP has connected me with other medical students across the country who are passionate about pediatrics and are at a similar stage in their training,” she said.

For more information about the AAP, click here.