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 approximately 100 members, from all over Montana. Although we are considered a “small” chapter, we have a BIG voice and speak out for children!
Recent Chapter Highlights
A Message from our New Chapter President
I am honored and excited to start my term as president of our chapter. To introduce myself, I have been in private practice at the Children’s Clinic in Billings for the past 9 years. I look forward to working with Abe Elias who will serve as vice president and Katie Lowe, our new secretary/treasurer. I would also like to extend a big “thank you” to our immediate past president, Pepper Henyon. Pepper has been instrumental in forging partnerships to advance MT AAP’s legislative advocacy efforts. 2017 marks the 65th legislative session in Montana, so stay tuned for updates from the legislative committee in the coming months.
It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones at our recent Round Up conference at Chico Hot Springs. Our current committees include suicide prevention, legislative, and telemedicine. We are also very excited to have a new section of pediatric subspecialists. If you were unable to join us at Chico, we would very much appreciate your involvement in any of these areas. Please contact our Executive Director, Kylee Bodley, so we can connect you with the chairpersons for these sections/committees.
Our executive committee welcomes suggestions from our membership on how Montana AAP can be of assistance to your patients and your practice. Enjoy this “down” time between kindergarten check-ups and respiratory season!
-Tanya Jagodzinski, MD, FAAP