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.
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 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.
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 FitzGerald
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
Spring 2026 FCAAP Wellness Series
The Spring 2026 FCAAP Wellness Series, hosted throughout the month of May, featured new activities and resources to support the all-around wellness of FCAAP members. As always, the series was offered at not cost to all FCAAP members – and this year was expanded to include pediatricians from across the country.
While the Spring series is over, you can join us for the launch of the Fall 2026 Series in September! The series will kick off in person at The Future of Pediatric Practice 2026 (FPP2026) and will continue virtually throughout the remainder of the month. Register for FPP2026 at futureofpediatrics.org.
SPRING WELLNESS 2026 SESSIONS
Week One
We started the month with a Welcome to Wellness – Cinco de Mayo edition conversation during which we shared healthy eating and hydration tips and favorite Cinco de Mayo meal and drink recipes and learned more about the FCAAP Wellness Series and Strava Club Community. All participants received a virtual Cinco de Mayo recipe packet full of delicious snacks, meals, and drink ideas and recipes.
Week Two
The second week, we discussed 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 included conversation on how sharing common humanity helps us heal and shape a sense of community.
Week Three
Week three was our challenge week. All participants took on the Take a Walk, Doc! challenge, during which we focused on physical activity and going back to basics – walking! Everyone committed to walking at least 10 minutes per day, inspired by 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
In the final gathering, led by Dr. Amy King, author of The Trauma Informed Pediatric Practice, we differentiated between stress, overwhelm, and burnout, and talked about the factors that lead to burnout in order to create awareness and to discuss actionable steps to protect our well-being.
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!
Login to the FCAAP Member Only Website to view the archived sessions from past years.
