Tennessee Chapter of AAP

02/26/2026

We love this news from East Tennessee Children's Hospital! Our staff looks forward to future visits at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.

02/03/2026

Today we celebrate National Women Physicians Day—honoring the women who lead with expertise, compassion, and vision. 💙🩺
We are especially proud to recognize the outstanding women serving in leadership for TNAAP:
✨ Catherine Wiggleton, MD – President
✨ Carlenda Smith, MD – Immediate Past President
✨ Tatanisha Smith, MD – Vice President
✨ Gayatri B. Jaishankar, MD – Secretary-Treasurer
Thank you for your dedication to pediatricians, children, and families across Tennessee. Your leadership makes a lasting impact—today and every day.

12/05/2025

A statement from American Academy of Pediatrics President, Dr. Susan J. Kressly:

The decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to downgrade its recommendations to protect infants from hepatitis B is a dangerous move that will harm children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend routine hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns: All babies should receive a first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, a second dose at one to two months, and a third dose at six months. The pacing of these doses has been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective over several decades.

Vaccinating all newborns against hepatitis B effectively prevents transmission of the virus to newborns during childbirth, supports them to build immunity against potential childhood infections, and ensures long-term protection into adulthood from a virus that can cause serious liver disease and liver cancer. Infants and children can be exposed to this virus by close caregivers who may not know they are infected. Delaying the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine has no clear benefits and leaves children vulnerable to infection.

Click here to read the full statement: https://bit.ly/3Y9ZQJT

11/24/2025

Rural Health Conference! TNAAP members Dr. Michelle Bowden and Dr. Tim Fuller presented different mental health screeners during "Not Just Small Adults: Opportunities in the Unique Landscape of Pediatric Behavoral Health in Rural Communities" at Rural Health Association of Tennessee, Inc. in Sevierville last week.

11/09/2025

Dangerous illnesses, like measles, can spread when too many people don’t receive vaccines. This puts community immunity against some of the most serious preventable-illnesses at risk. Learn more at the AAP’s website or by visiting healthychildren.org.

10/31/2025

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ vaccination schedule recommends specific pacing and combinations of vaccinations when your child’s body is ready to learn and respond best. These vaccines are thoroughly tested and help build children's immunity against many different illnesses. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics or Healthy Children website for more information.

09/30/2025

TNAAP Leadership in the Mile High City!

We loved having our TNAAP leadership team gather together at the AAP National Conference in Denver. 🏔️✨

It’s always inspiring to see our leaders connecting, sharing ideas, and representing Tennessee pediatrics.

Here’s to strong leadership and a bright future for children’s health in Tennessee!

09/29/2025

What an unforgettable night in Denver! We were thrilled to see so many friends and colleagues from across Tennessee come together at the TNAAP Reception during the AAP National Conference.

A highlight of the evening was celebrating Janet's 20th anniversary with TNAAP. We're so grateful for her years of dedication and leadership.

Thanks to everyone who made this night special!

09/05/2025

TNAAP Members in the News: Dr. Blake Bergeron with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital talks about signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children.

A doctor with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital said that late summer/early fall is typically when they start to see more HFM cases.

09/04/2025

TBT: We loved having Jessi Gold, M.D., M.S. speak at our state conference last month! Dr. Gold is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She was kind enough to give all attendees a copy of her book "How Do You Feel?: One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine".

08/24/2025

A great weekend of learning at the Tennessee State Pediatric Conference thanks to our wonderful speakers!

08/23/2025

We love all of our sponsors and exhibitors!