2016 – APA Convention Highlights

Elizabeth R. Pulgaron, PhD and Wendy N. Gray, PhD

Many members from the Society of Pediatric Psychology attended the 124th APA Annual Convention in Denver, CO. The convention provided opportunities for participants to partake in a wide range of programming, including collaborative sessions with other APA Divisions, earn continuing education credits, and network with colleagues from various divisions. 

Our Division 54 programming included topics such as primary care training and sustainability, supporting families of infants in the NICU, and obesity treatment. As in previous years, student specific programs such as Speed Mentoring and Internships on Parade were well received. Numerous poster and travel awards were given by the Division and SIGs.

This year we welcomed Rob Grunewald, an economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota, as an invited speaker. His session was well attended and encouraged each of us to remember the benefits and importance of investing in young children. During the Business Meeting, we initiated two new Fellows: Cheryl Brosig Soto, PhD and Melissa Alderfer PhD and thanked our outgoing Board Members. The Board members who completed their terms were Elissa Jelalian, PhD, Elizabeth R. Pulgaron, PhD, Jaclyn Lennon Papadakis, MA, T. David Elkin, PhD, ABPP, Jennifer V. Schurman, PhD, ABPP, and Anna Maria Patiño-Fernández, PhD.

Preparations for the 2017 are well underway and we are looking forward to the meeting in Washington, DC.