Special thank you to Sunshine Health, our exclusive 2025 Wellness Series Partner
I really enjoyed participating in the Wellness Series, especially the Strava Challenge which was very motivating. The collaboration of the FCAAP with colleagues in Michigan was appreciated also.
Carroll B.
The webinars were also very helpful in guiding us to reflect on what we feel, what we do, and suggesting other options for building awareness, resilience and practicing mindfulness as part of a daily routine.
Otto A.
The FCAAP Fall 2022 Wellness Series Strava Challenge was a wonderful opportunity to virtually participate in outdoor physical fitness along with my colleagues.
Lynn P.
FCAAP Wellness Book Club
The FCAAP Wellness Book Club comprises an ever-growing group of fellow FCAAP Members and special guests who meet virtually regularly to discuss thought-provoking wellness books. The books are selected from a bank of curated club member suggestions. Join the group to enjoy a relaxed, friendly, and enriching atmosphere. Complimentary for all. Join the FCAAP Wellness Book Club here.
The book club has selected The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins as the club’s next book. In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins―New York Times Bestselling Author and one of the world’s most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset―teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life. Grab a copy and join the club today!
FCAAP Strava Club
FCAAP’s popular Strava Club is a supportive network of FCAAP Athletes that caters to all fitness levels and types. It focuses on community and support, not competition. The FCAAP Strava Club provides participants the opportunity to share tips, track fitness activities, participate in regular fitness challenges, and share their wins. Not an FCAAP Athlete? Join the FCAAP Strava Club here. It’s free!
FCAAP THRIVE TEAM AMBASSADORS
The FCAAP Wellness Program is privileged to count on seven outstanding Ambassadors who promote program awareness, actively participate in event planning, and represent the Chapter during wellness-related events.
Dr. Rana Alissa
President
Dr. Fatma Levent
Dr. Deanice Cruz
Dr. Chelsea Torres
Dr. Lorena Frontado
Dr. Jose Zayas
Dr. Danulka Vargas
We coordinate outstanding opportunities for everyone to interact with peers and engage in healthy behaviors. To date, all components of the program are included with your membership. Thank you for your patronage of the FCAAP Wellness Program. Let’s keep this momentum going!
Enthusiastically,
FCAAP THRIVE Team Ambassadors
Fall 2025 FCAAP Wellness Series
The Fall 2025 Wellness Series spanned the month of September, bringing FCAAP members together for physical activities, educational presentations, and collaborative discussions. Thank you to everyone who participated and to each of the speakers and session leaders!
FALL WELLNESS 2025 SESSIONS
Week One
We started the Series with a 7 Day Stretch Challenge. Each day included a series of 3 stretches focused on a different area of the body, all leading to increased flexibility and reduced stress. Details of the challenge are available here.
Week Two
Dr. Lisa Gwynn presented on what the AAP Task Force on Safety & Wellbeing is doing at the national level to support the wellbeing and safety of pediatricians.
Week Three
We joined the AAP for “Shattering the Stigma: Trauma-Informed Care for Health Care Heroes” which explored how the principles of trauma-informed care can be applied to support the well-being of health care providers. The webinar examined common stressors and traumatic experiences in health care settings and their impact on professional wellness, and provided actionable strategies to normalize seeking mental health support within the health care profession and how to champion systemic changes that promote resilience, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of care for the caregiver.
Week Four
Nicole S. McDermott, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with a background in psychology, led a discussion on the physical and mental benefits of massage therapy and led attendees through a guided self-massage.
Week Five
The series ended with a bonus activity – a 5k fun run with members attending the AAP National Conference and Exhibition running together through Denver’s Sloans Lake Park and members across the state participating virtually by running their local trails and paths. Two of FLynn’s friends even made an appearance at the Denver run!
Spring 2025 FCAAP Wellness Series
The goal of the FCAAP Wellness Series for Spring 2025 was to encourage pediatric clinicians to lead healthy lifestyles. Over 230 minutes were spent on energizing walks by FCAAP athletes over seven days. A huge thank you to all of our wonderful attendees for making it a success! Your presence, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn truly made a difference, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.
SPRING WELLNESS 2025 SESSIONS
Week 1
Promoting Health Through Culinary Medicine: The Mediterranean Diet
Part of self-care is to dedicate time to improving our lifestyle and nutrition. Dr. Debora Duro educated participants on the pivotal role of a diet higher in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and whole grain cereals in preventing and combating prevalent diseases. Culinary medicine offers tremendous opportunity to educate about health-promoting dietary patterns that sustain behavior change.
Week 2
Disconnect to Reconnect: Digital Detox for Pediatric Providers
Dr. Danulka Vargas discussed practical tools for both pediatric providers and parents to implement their own digital detox, fostering a healthier balance by disconnecting from social media and screen overload. Additionally, participants explored the effects of digital overuse and consider evidence-based strategies to help guide families in setting healthy technology boundaries.
Week 3
Beyond Burnout: Real-Time Strategies to Recharge, Restore, and Renew
During this session, Dr. Mukta Panda provided attendees with an opportunity to reflect on what is important to live and work. Participants conversed about how empathy, compassion, and self-care are needed to create a community and thrive. This discussion was based on Dr. Panda’s book, In Resilient Threads: Weaving Joy and Meaning into Well-Being.
Week 4
Pediatric Pedestrians Walk Challenge
Challenge participants were encouraged to walk briskly, 30 minutes per day, several days during this week and logged daily activities on the Strava App through the FCAAP Strava Club. The emphasis of this challenge was on peer support and fellowship.
Week 5
From Burnout to Renewal: Redefining Career and Parenting in Medicine
As an obesity medicine expert and mom of two under five, Dr. Krista Gonzales shared how surviving burnout through conscious parenting, setting boundaries, and embracing her worth led her to redefine her own medical career. This talk offered practical strategies to help medical professionals achieve career longevity while maintaining their own well-being and fulfillment.
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