To support Florida’s pediatric residents, to expand their knowledge of the legislative process, and to enhance their appreciation of the power pediatricians hold to influence the Legislature, the Florida Pediatric Foundation (FPF), the charitable foundation of FCAAP, provides annual scholarships to first and second-year residents enrolled in Florida pediatric residency programs to attend the annual American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Advocacy Conference. This year’s conference will be held on April 12-14, 2026, in Arlington, VA.

Congratulations to the 2026 Louis B. St. Petery, Jr., MD, FAAP, and Julia Revel St. Petery, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Trainee Advocacy Training Scholarship recipients!

• Dr. Neha Aitharaju, a second-year resident at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
• Dr. Yanely Lopez, a first-year resident at University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville

Scholarship recipients will be paired with a member of FCAAP leadership for support before, during, and after the conference, and accompany their assigned FCAAP leader to scheduled meetings with Florida Representatives and Senators during the conference. Read each issue of the FCAAP News for reports on what they learn from the conference and how they will apply their knowledge to their participation in future FCAAP legislative activities.