Dr. Puja Natesan

11/22/2025

The recent news that nursing and several other essential healthcare professions are no longer recognized as “professional degrees” by the Department of Education is deeply concerning.

This decision does not reflect the reality of what these careers require or the value these professionals bring to patient care.

So many professionals complete rigorous training, take on immense responsibility, financial hardships, and serve on the front lines of our healthcare system every single day. Their work saves lives. Their expertise guides families through the hardest moments. Their education is demanding, evidence based, and absolutely professional.

Stripping these degrees of that designation sends the wrong message. It diminishes the commitment of millions of people who give everything to care for patients. It also risks widening gaps in recruitment and retention at a time when our healthcare system can least afford it. Also limits resources for these professionals going into the field.

We should be elevating and supporting healthcare professionals, not downgrading the recognition they have earned.

Our nurses and allied health professionals deserve better. Their work is professional. Their education is professional. And their impact is immeasurable.

11/21/2025

AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly responds to the recent changes on the CDC’s website - “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has been changed to promote false information suggesting vaccines cause autism. Since 1998, independent researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving over 5.6 million people. The conclusion is clear and unambiguous: There’s no link between vaccines and autism. Anyone repeating this harmful myth is misinformed or intentionally trying to mislead parents.

We call on the CDC to stop wasting government resources to amplify false claims that sow doubt in one of the best tools we have to keep children healthy and thriving: routine immunizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics stands with members of the autism community who have asked for support in stopping this rumor from spreading any further."

11/21/2025

Harmful myths suggesting that vaccines cause autism sow fear and distrust in vaccines, ultimately jeopardizing the great progress we’ve made in preventing serious childhood diseases. For decades, scientists have studied the potential causes of autism, and have repeatedly found no credible link between childhood vaccines and autism. Any effort to misrepresent sound, strong science poses a threat to the health of children and does a disservice to our autistic community.

Read our full fact-check to learn more: https://bit.ly/4nI0Rnb

10/20/2025

Happy Diwali! May the light prevail over darkness. 🪔

09/27/2025

09/23/2025

ACOG reaffirms the safety and benefits of acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
More than two decades of research have found no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. Acetaminophen continues to be an important and safe option for managing pain and fever in pregnancy—conditions that can pose serious risks to pregnant patients and their fetuses if left untreated. Learn more about acetaminophen use during pregnancy: https://bit.ly/4mqIzWr

09/23/2025

Today’s White House event on autism was filled with dangerous claims and misleading information that sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.

We know autism is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. Individualized plans, often involving a combination of developmental, behavioral, educational and social-relational strategies, can help improve outcomes that are meaningful to individuals and families. We also need and welcome additional investments in federally funded research to better support families of autistic children.

Families who have questions about their child’s medications, autism care plans or other health care should consult with their pediatrician or health care provider.
https://bit.ly/4gBDNEc

09/19/2025

09/16/2025

There’s no perfect sleeping position for sciatica pain. But you may find that one of these options works best for you.

09/16/2025

To protect as many people as possible, AAP recommends that every newborn get the Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as they’re born. Why? Because if a mother has hepatitis B, she can pass it to her baby during birth... and many with hepatitis B don’t know they have it until they face serious liver problems later in life.

Often times, when adults are infected with hepatitis B, their immune system is able to overcome the virus so that it’s no longer a threat. But babies' immune systems aren’t as strong, so vaccinating newborns just after delivery allows their immune system to fight the infection quickly if exposed.

Learn more about the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth from NBC News at the link below.
https://nbcnews.to/4gqnkCY