Report on AMSPDC Activities and Initiatives: 2007 to 2009

Abstract

Several academic pediatric organizations have completed strategic planning initiatives in the past couple of years, and AMSPDC has joined those ranks. For AMSPDC, the decision to develop a strategic plan was spurred by the realization that it has never developed mission, vision, or values statements since its founding in 1964, when such statements were not the norm of the day. The strategic planning process began in March 2007, with a day-long facilitated retreat. Past and current officers participated in discussions (and, sometimes, debates) about the purpose of AMSPDC and our future goals. In the next 2 years, teams of chairs suggested and critiqued a variety of mission, vision, and values statements as a framework to guide our future course of action. In March 2009, the membership ratified the following mission, vision, and values statements. The mission of the AMSPDC is to pursue optimal health outcomes of children through the development of successful academic pediatric departments across North America. The vision of the AMSPDC is to be the major voice for academic pediatrics in North America. The AMSPDC upholds the following core values: 1) The rights of all children to high quality health care and optimum health outcomes; 2) Professionalism with one another, colleagues, trainees, and staff; 3) Life-long learning and professional development; 4) Cutting edge discovery and scholarship; 5) Innovative and outcomes-based education and training; 6) Family-centered and culturally competent health care; 7) Advocacy on behalf of children; and 8) Collaborative relationships with other child-focused organizations. Please note that these mission and vision statements include the phrase ‘‘across North America.’’ This is because the membership includes the pediatric department chairs of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.