The Divisions of Workforce and Medical Education Policy and S​tate Government Affairs have recently received a number of requests from members for an official AAP definition of the term « pediatrician. » These requests stem from new legislation that requires a determination of which physicians do and do not fall into that category.

Physician reentry into the workforce has been defined as returning to professional activity/clinical practice for which one has been trained, certified or licensed after an extended period.  The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project provides resources and information for physicians, organizations, and employers seeking information regarding physician reentry issues. The Reentry Project is a collaborative endeavor that examines the diverse issues encompassed under the rubric of reentry. It creates guidelines, recommendations, and strategies that serve physicians, employers, and organizations. The AAP has both supported and funded The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project since its inception in 2005.  More information can be found here.  

In order to meet the needs of these legislative initiatives, the AAP has developed its own official definition of « pediatrician » and « pediatrics, » which includes pediatric medical subspecialists and surgical specialists and an important reference to the medical home.