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 wellness series was an awesome and amazing experience. I am excited to put the tools learned into practice in my personal as well as professional life. Each series gave new information and was very inviting. I hope this will continue as I definitely am able to benefit from the series.
Bernavette P.
The joint Florida and Michigan AAP chapter series on wellness was so heartening and fun. So nice to know our colleagues in other states are doing the same work we are and experiencing some of the same stresses. It was so much fun to just meet informally and to share information that was sometimes novel to our colleagues. Here’s to future collaborations!
Lia G.
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. Lorena Frontado
Dr. Fatma Levent
Dr. Jose Zayas
Dr. Deanice Cruz
Dr. Danulka Vargas
Dr. Chelsea Torres
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
2025 Fall FCAAP Wellness Series
Join colleagues from across the state this September for the 2025 Fall FCAAP Wellness Series! We know it has been a busy year already, so we’ve planned the Fall Wellness Series to be easy for everyone to participate in. Check out a summary of what’s to come throughout the month of September and register to receive the calendar invitations and email reminders of the challenges here.
- Week One! Sept. 1 – 7: 7 Day Stretch Challenge
We’ll be fresh off FPP2025, which means we’ll all have done a lot of walking, a Fun Run/Walk, and a lot of sitting in educational sessions. So, we’ll start the Fall Wellness Series by loosening up and getting ready to improve our overall wellbeing. Join us for a 7 Day Stretch Challenge! Each day will include a series of 3 stretches focused on a different area of your body, all leading to increased flexibility and reduced stress. Register for the Series to receive the daily stretches by email/calendar invite and join the FCAAP Strava Club to complete the challenge with all the FCAAP Athletes! Get a sneak peek of all the challenge details here.
- Week Two! Sept. 9 (12:30pm-1pm ET / 11:30am-12pm CT): Safety & Wellbeing
After a resolution seeking support from AAP to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of physicians was voted as the top resolution of the year, the AAP created the Task Force on Safety & Wellbeing. This group was charged with the following: identifying key drivers impacting wellbeing and safety of pediatricians; identifying short, medium, and long-term opportunities to enhance wellbeing and safety; and identifying what unique role(s) the AAP should play in the above opportunities while identifying key partners to address pediatrician needs. Join us for this session where we’ll talk with Dr. Lisa Gwynn, FCAAP Past-President and Member of the Task Force, about the work the group is doing at the national level to support your wellbeing and safety.
- Week Three! Sept. 16 (12pm–1pm ET /11am–12pm CT):Shattering the Stigma: Trauma-Informed Care for Health Care Heroes
This week, we’re joining AAP for “Shattering the Stigma: Trauma-Informed Care for Health Care Heroes” which will explore how the principles of trauma-informed care can be applied to support the well-being of health care providers. The webinar will examine common stressors and traumatic experiences in health care settings and their impact on professional wellness. The webinar will also provide actionable strategies to normalize seeking mental health support within the health care profession and will champion systemic changes that promote resilience, reduce stigma, and foster a culture of care for the caregiver. Registration for this session must be done separate from the Series. Register here.
- Week Four! Sept. 23 (12:30pm-1pm ET / 11:30am-12pm CT): The Benefits of Massage
This week, we’re being joined by Nicole S. McDermott, LMT, a licensed massage therapist for over 10 years with a background in psychology. Nicole will discuss the physical and mental benefits of massage therapy. At her Tallahassee-based practice, breath. Massage Family Practice, Nicole focuses on customized, targeted massage treatments based on each person’s specific needs and treatment goals. Her services are geared toward people experiencing chronic pain or chronic elevated stress. She will describe a variety of common massage treatment modalities (such as Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial, and craniosacral therapy) and the purpose and benefits of each.
- Week Five! September 29: Bonus Challenge!
Whether you are attending the AAP National Conference and Exhibition or not, give yourself an extra challenge to wrap up the 2025 Fall Wellness Series by completing a 5k run or walk! If you are at the NCE in Denver, join your fellow Floridians at Sloan’s Lake Park at 7:00am MT for the official AAP Friends of Children Fund 5K Fun Run & Walk (registration is required). Everyone else, choose your favorite trail, pathway, or treadmill and complete a 5k run or walk on September 29. Let’s finish this year’s Fall Wellness Series strong! Be sure to accept the challenge in the FCAAP Strava Club!
Contact FCAAP Executive Director Alicia Adams, Esq. at aadams@fcaap.org with any questions. Visit the FCAAP Wellness Page for detailed information on the FCAAP Wellness Program.
The 2025 Fall FCAAP Wellness Series is brought to you by Sunshine Health.
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.
Fall 2024 Wellness Series
The Fall 2024 FCAAP Wellness Series was designed to promote healthy lifestyles among pediatric providers and included a boot camp session dedicated to residents and medical students. FCAAP Athletes enjoyed a week full of beautiful sunrises while doing yoga. Your support meant more than words can express. Thank you.
FALL WELLNESS 2024 SESSIONS
Fall 2024 Wellness Series
FCAAP Wellness Series was back for fall with expert-led sessions designed to support healthcare providers looking to improve their overall health and quality of life. Whether you are seeking a better balance in your personal and professional life, learn effective ways to prevent or cope with stress and burnout, or want to talk with colleagues who understand the issues you face, the FCAAP Wellness Series had something for you.
Week 1
Challenge: FCAAP Athletes Sun Salutation Yoga
Research suggests that yoga may help relieve stress while improving strength, balance, flexibility, and overall health. Your goal for this challenge will be to rise and shine every day for a short yoga practice. All fitness levels and types are welcome. A guide with yoga poses will be provided.
Week 2
Session: Talk Saves Lives
Join Jessica Toy from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) for an introduction to their suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it.
Week 3
Session: Prevention Of Burnout For Pediatric Health Professionals
During this session, Dr. Karen Martinez- Gonzalez, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Universidad de Puerto Rico, will discuss the causes, signs, and symptoms of burnout in pediatric health professionals. We will also provide concrete recommendations on how to prevent burnout.
Week 4
Session: Fall Bootcamp: The Ultimate Guide To Wellness For Medical Students & Residents
Balancing the demands of medical school or a residency program with self-care can feel overwhelming. Join Dr. S. Deanice Cruz FCAAP THRIVE Team Ambassador and Resident Member, for a table talk on how to incorporate healthy, help-seeking habits and tools around mental health and personal well-being to bring joy and fulfillment.
Login to the FCAAP Member Only Website to view the archived sessions from past years.
