The FCAAP Wellness Program was launched in 2020 to support and encourage members to prioritize their own well-being. The biannual FCAAP Wellness Series includes a month of expert-led presentations and interactive activities each Spring and Fall. FCAAP’s Strava Club provides a supportive network that caters to all fitness levels and types. It focuses on community and support, not competition by providing members an opportunity to share tips, track fitness activities, participate in challenges, and share their wins. The FCAAP Wellness Book Club provides another opportunity for connection, discussion, and personal reflection throughout the year.
Since 2022, FCAAP has invited other AAP chapters from across the country to participate in the Wellness Series. FCAAP was selected as the Very Large Chapter recipient of AAP’s Outstanding Chapter Award based in part on the strength and success of this program, and the Series was recognized in the May 2023 AAP News OnCall as a “life vest.”
Check out the partner opportunities to support pediatric health care professionals and have year-round visibility with wellness participants in the 2026 Wellness Series Prospectus.
The FCAAP wellness series hit all the key topics. I could not attend most sessions in real time but enjoyed catching up with the recordings. I found the whole program very helpful for self care and will participate in the next series for sure!
Judith A.R.
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 FCAAP Fall 2022 Wellness Series Strava Challenge was a wonderful opportunity to virtually participate in outdoor physical fitness along with my colleagues.
Lynn P.
Spring 206 FCAAP Wellness Series
The FCAAP Wellness series is back, and we have some great new activities and resources to support the all-around wellness of FCAAP members – including physical fitness, nutrition, mental and emotional wellbeing, self-care, self-awareness, and connectedness skills. And as always, the FCAAP Wellness series is free to all FCAAP members and includes at least one activity or discussion each week throughout the month and raffle drawings for participants!
Register for the Spring 2026 FCAAP Wellness Series here, and join the free FCAAP Strava Club here.
Week One
Welcome to Wellness – Cinco de Mayo edition!
May 5, 2026, at 12:30pm ET (11:30am CT)
Join colleagues from across the state to share health eating and hydration tips, favorite Cinco de Mayo meal and drink recipes, and learn more about the FCAAP Wellness Series and Strava Club Community. All participants will receive a virtual Cinco de Mayo recipe packet full of delicious snacks, meals, and drink ideas and recipes.
Week Two
Self Care and Sharing Our Humanity.
May 12, 2026, at 12:30pm ET (11:30am CT)
Let’s gather and discuss what it truly means to engage in self-care; not in a performative way, but in a way that feels authentic. Led by Dr. Amy King, author of The Trauma Informed Pediatric Practice, the session will also include conversation on how sharing common humanity helps us heal and shape a sense of community.
Week Three
Take a Walk, Doc!
Challenge – Monday, May 18, 2026 – Friday, May 22, 2026.
Walk & chat via Zoom – Tuesday, May 19 12:30pm ET (11:30am CT)
This week, we’re focused on physical activity and going back to basics – walking! Commit to walk at least 10 minutes per day each day this week. Walk your dog (or volunteer to walk a shelter dog!), walk with a friend, have a walking meeting, or participate in the Walk with a Doc program – part of the Healthy People 2030 Physical Activity – Strategies for Social Supports methods. Learn about the benefits of walking, get tips for a successful walk (pace, distance, attire, location), walking plans, and more info on the Walk with a Doc program here.
Week Four
Addressing Physician Overwhelm.
May 26, 2026, at 12:30pm ET (11:30am CT)
In this gathering led by Dr. Amy King, author of The Trauma Informed Pediatric Practice, we’ll differentiate between stress, overwhelm, and burnout. Importantly, we’ll talk about factors that lead to burnout, creating awareness and discussing actionable steps.
“Self-care is not a waste of time. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.” – Jackie Viramontez
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.
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.
Login to the FCAAP Member Only Website to view the archived sessions from past years.
