The American Academy of Pediatrics -- Washington office -- has maintained a successful internship program since 1981. The internship program is primarily designed for those interested in learning about child health issues, the legislative process, and public affairs activities.

Description

The Academy's Washington office internship program is available to college, medical and graduate students, residents and AAP members and family.

While this program is individualized, examples of internship activities are outlined below.

• Congressional hearings: Interns attend congressional hearings on a variety of child health issues. Upon returning to the office a report would be communicated by the intern to the person responsible for the issue covered. These hearings would include markups, general oversight hearings and those on specific issues. 
• Department of Health and Human Services: Interns become familiar with the legislative activities of the Academy's Washington office and attend meetings and/or hearings whenever possible. 
• Research: Interns assist with the the preparation of background material for use with Congress and for Academy staff and member distribution on the issues(s) assigned. 
• Coalitions: Interns learn the value of forming useful unions with other organizations which have similar goals. These coalitions enable the advocates to present a stronger voice. 
• Association work: Interns have the opportunity to learn how an association works internally as well as with outside organizations. Attendance at Academy meetings will be arranged whenever possible. 
• Media: Interns with an interest in journalism can work with public affairs staff in communicating legislative issues effectively to reporters, AAP members and the general public. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics can accommodate three interns at a time. The length of an internship is a minimum of four weeks.

Application

Interested persons should apply to the Washington office in writing. The application should include: 

• Status: the applicant should state his/her professional or school status clearly. If a student, the letter should include information regarding course of study and expected degree. 
• Intent: the applicant should indicate his/her expectations from participating in this program. This should be a clear statement outlining those expectations. 
• Credit: the applicant should state whether and what type of credit will be earned through participation in this program and whether that credit is required for the degree in question. The applicant should also indicate the action required by AAP staff to show the intern has fulfilled all requirements of the school. 
• Financial: the applicant should be aware that he/she is responsible for any expenses or financial needs. The AAP should be informed when the intern is being supported through a source other than the individual or the individual's family. 

Selection

A selection committee will review the applications for internships at the Academy and respond to applicants in writing.

Financial

The Academy will not finance any part of this program, either through expenses, living arrangements, or a stipend.

For additional information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics' internship program, please contact Katy Matthews at 202/347-8600. Application letters should be sent to the following address:

Katy Matthews
American Academy of Pediatrics 601 13th Street,
NW Suite 400 North
Washington, DC 20005.
E-mail at Kmatthews@aap.org. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety andwell-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. 

American Academy of Pediatrics
Department of Federal Affairs
601 13th Street, NW
Suite 400 North
Washington, DC 20005