Annual Meeting Is Almost Here: A Special Message from the Ohio AAP President

I am writing to you not simply as your Ohio AAP President, but as a fellow pediatrician who understands how challenging medicine has become.

We are navigating more demands, uncertainty, and barriers to providing care. Our practices are changing and our workforce is stretched, while the needs of children and families continue to grow. Yet, I am continually reminded of what makes pediatrics special: we are stronger when we stand together.

That is why I am asking you to join me at the 2026 Ohio AAP Annual Meeting.

While there are many excellent national meetings and conferences each year, I hope you will prioritize the Ohio AAP Annual Meeting because:

• It is convenient and accessible – requiring little travel and logistics.
• It is free for Ohio AAP members!
• It brings Ohio’s pediatric community together giving us the opportunity to learn from one another.

This year’s highlight will be our keynote speaker, Todd Wolynn, MD, MMM, IBCLC, FAAP, CEO of the Trusted Messenger Program, who will deliver a science-based, intervention-agnostic training designed to help us:

• Navigate challenging child health conversations
• Reframe mistrust and build trust
• Communicate with greater confidence and credibility
• Leave difficult conversations with hope, purpose, and a plan

We are all navigating misinformation, mistrust, and increasingly difficult conversations with families, yet few of us have received formal communications training. Following the keynote, Dr. Wolynn will lead a customized, practical communications training valued at $1,500.

This is more than just another conference. It’s an opportunity to strengthen how we communicate, reconnect with colleagues, and show up for Ohio’s children and families with the tools to turn EVERY visit into a trusted conversation.

I hope you will join me on October 16-17, 2026, at the Hilton Columbus Polaris. Register for both days or even just one at OhioAAP.org/annualmeeting. It will change your practice!

Sarah Denny, MD, FAAP
President
Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics