Aubrey Coleman, M.D., PGY-3 resident, and several other pediatricians from Alabama, recently attended the 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Advocacy Conference. The conference, held from April 11 to April 13, is typically in Washington, D.C., but was virtual this year for the first time. There were more than 750 pediatricians from across the country in attendance. 

The conference was a mix of plenary speakers, including Stacey Abrams, speaking on their experience in an advocate role, as well as workshops to learn how to be a legislative advocate. The conference ended with virtual meetings with the offices of Sens. Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville as well as Rep. Gary Palmer. The focus of these meetings was to endorse bills that have been introduced in the House and Senate that improves funding for the Vaccines for Children Program, a program that provides vaccines to uninsured or underinsured children who are unable to access vaccines.