Montana pediatricians began formal meetings in 1949 with seven physicians in attendance. Dr. D.L. Gillespie, from Butte, MT was the first President. Montana chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics incorporated in 1986.
From the beginning the purpose was to provide a forum to promote the health and well-being of Montana children and families and to enhance the professional and personal growth of its members.
We currently have over 100 members, from all over Montana. Although we are considered a "small" chapter, we think we have a BIG voice!
Recent Chapter Highlights
Hello to all our members,
I am starting my term as President of the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. To introduce myself, I am practicing general pediatrics at Acorn Pediatrics in Bozeman. I assumed the presidency in Oct 2010 and will be assisted by Kathy Rogers, our former president taking on the responsibility of the vice president, Pepper Henyon as secretary-treasurer and Marian Kummer has agreed to step in as past-president. We are fortunate to have Molly Taylor as our executive director and she is a great resource for us.
We are proud that our yearly meeting, Round-up, has continued to grow. This year we will have Round-up in West Yellowstone on September 23-25.
This year also represents a legislative year. There are a number of proposed bills that are of great importance to pediatricians. We will plan for advocacy through the Montana Council on Maternal-Child Health (MCMCH)
Each year there are a number of options for participation with AAP committees, grant writing and involvement in other areas of pediatrics. These will be highlighted in the e-newsletter. If you have an area that is of particular interest to you, please let me or Molly Taylor know and we will be happy to contact you with opportunities in your area of interest. Stay tuned for more.
Sheila Idzerda
sidzerda@aol.com or
406-451-9118.