In July 1930, the Depression deepening, three founding members signed papers in Chicago to create the American Academy of Pediatrics, a new kind of medical society that would “foster and stimulate interest in pediatrics and correlate all aspects of work for the welfare of children which properly comes within the scope of pediatrics.” Today there are 67,000 members continuing that mission—primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists.

The mission of the AAP is to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. To accomplish this mission, the AAP shall support the professional needs of its members.

Children have optimal health and well-being and are valued by society. Academy members practice the highest quality health care and experience professional satisfaction and personal well-being.

The AAP believes:

• In the inherent worth of all children; they are our most enduring and vulnerable legacy.
• Children deserve optimal health and the highest quality health care.
• Pediatricians and subspecialists are the best qualified to provide child health care.
• Multidisciplinary teams including patients and families are integral to delivering the highest quality health care.
• The AAP is the organization to advance child health and well-being and the profession of pediatrics.​