What is District VIII?
The District VIII Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Perinatal Section was formed in 1976 at the first annual conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It is a multidisciplinary, non-profit organization with a primary mission of providing educational opportunities and fostering interaction of health care professionals who share a common goal of improving the outcome of pregnancy. Concepts of information sharing, regionalization, effective coordination or resources, teamwork and networking are key to enacting this mission.
Prior to District VIII formation, neonatologists in the District had met in Tesuque, New Mexico (1973), Park City, Utah and Denver, Colorado (1974), and Carefree, Arizona (1975) to discuss the staffing, organizational, political, and practice-related issues that shape regional perinatal care. A formal set of bylaws was adopted (1981) establishing an Executive Committee and Section Council with representatives selected from each of the 12 states and two provinces in District VIII.
Historically, continuing medical education has been organized around defined, and often times, discipline-specific activities. Neonatal-Perinatal practitioners such as neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, advanced-practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, social workers, dieticians, respiratory therapists, and occupational and physical therapists have expanded their knowledge and activities in neonatal care through their own professional organizations. Interaction between organizations has generally been limited. Few opportunities for cross-professional regional educational interaction have existed. The District seeks to be comprehensive and multidisciplinary without exclusions of our associated care professionals.
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Since 1976, with rare exception, District VIII has met annually, rotating the Conference to every state and province in the District. On several occasions, the AAP Committee on Fetus and Newborn, the Canadian Paediatric Society Committee on Fetus and Newborn, and District IX, have met concomitantly with District VIII. District VIII has long taught a Fellow’s Workshop at the annual Conference providing fellowship-required education in aspects of practice not normally encountered during Fellowship.
District VIII also sponsors the Western Perinatal Club in cooperation with the four chapters of District IX during the annual Western Society for Pediatric Research meeting in Carmel, California.
Starting in 2004, several bylaws changes were made to broaden the membership base and provide additional opportunities for members to be involved in District planning and activities (see “Get Involved”). In addition, an education foundation was established to better position the District for future educational and financial challenges (see “Foundation”).
In addition to the educational focus, the District also works to stimulate research and teaching of perinatal pediatrics to professionals and to the general public, and to make recommendations for programs and actions on matters relating to the fetus and newborn infant to the chapter chairmen in District VIII of the AAP.
Edited 8/20: JK, CB