by Lelach Rave, MD, FAAP
WCAAP Interim Executive Director
Dear Colleagues,
Advocacy has always been in my blood. Long before I became a pediatrician, my best friend and I hopped on a Greyhound bus from southern Missouri to Washington, D.C. as teenagers to march in a pro-choice rally. That same passion led me to pediatrics—and now, to my role as Interim Executive Director of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Like most of you, I am a pediatrician and a clinician. I first became an AAP member during my residency, thanks to the generosity of my local chapter and training program. In 2009, new to the world of primary care at what was then The Everett Clinic, I turned to WCAAP to reignite that advocacy spark. I had read about AAP’s National Advocacy Day in D.C. and asked if the Chapter had funds to send me. While the funds had already been allocated, that conversation led me to a different opportunity—I joined the WCAAP Board that summer.
From there, I found my professional home and an outlet for my advocacy. After serving on the Board, I transitioned to chairing the Legislative Committee, a role I’ve shared for most of the past 12 years. WCAAP has given me a place to connect with fellow pediatricians and amplify my voice in service of the kids and families we serve. There is real power when one of our members testifies before a legislative committee, carrying the collective voice of 1,200 pediatricians. Physicians—and especially pediatricians—are trusted by lawmakers, making us uniquely positioned to shape public health policy.
While the Board works to hire a permanent Executive Director, my goal is to ensure continuity of the Chapter’s important work. As I have transitioned into this role, I have been amazed at the many ways WCAAP supports pediatricians across the state. Even as an “involved” member, I hadn’t fully grasped the breadth of resources available. Did you know:
- Struggling with vaccine-hesitant families? WCAAP offers one-on-one coaching for your clinic—and you and your colleagues can earn MOC while doing it!
- Unsure if you’re maximizing billing for screenings? Thanks to WCAAP’s advocacy, new billing codes are available to enhance your reimbursements.
- In need of additional behavioral health resources and supports for families? Seattle Children’s First Approach Skills Training (FAST) programs are designed to provide brief, evidence-based behavioral therapy for youth and families with common mental health concerns. WCAAP is working with FAST on additional resources to support multidisciplinary primary care teams in meeting the mental health and early relational health needs of patients and families.
- Concerned about vaccine-preventable outbreaks? WCAAP worked with a local Somali physician to create culturally-attuned vaccine materials to prevent a measles outbreak in Washington. Additionally, the WA-CHIP Immunization Learning Collaborative supports clinics from across the state to increase childhood and adolescent vaccinations through sustainable and effective improvements.
- Wish you had more time for parenting coaching? Seattle Children’s Hospital offers a curriculum you can easily share with families, and WCAAP can train you to use it—while earning CME!
There is so much happening at WCAAP, and I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and support available to you.
As I help steward the Chapter through this transition, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how WCAAP can continue to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or ways we can better serve you. This is OUR organization, and I hope, if it’s not already your professional home, that I can help make it one.
Looking forward to connecting with you all,
Lelach Rave, MD, FAAP
Interim Executive Director
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics