September 2017

Dear NYS AAP – Chapter 2 Member,

The newly elected officers of the New York State American Academy of Pediatrics (NYS AAP) – Chapter 2 would like to introduce themselves, solicit your input, and involve you in promoting child (and pediatrician) health in our region.

We will serve in these offices until July of 2019 and hope to accomplish much during that time.  Even more important is the fact that chapter membership offers multiple opportunities to network, learn new skills, contribute opinions, suggest new initiatives, educate, and advocate.

As local pediatricians in a chapter almost 70-years old, your local AAP’s credibility, combined with the expertise of its members, is in a unique position to improve the care of children in our region.  With your help, we can have even more influence in shaping the policy and future of health care in New York State.

While most of the AAP’s 10 Districts are made up of multiple states, New York and California each comprise a District.  There are three Chapters within the NYS AAP (District II), and our Chapter 2 has approximately 1,400 members from the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, and the counties of Nassau and Suffolk.  Chapter 3 is composed of Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and the upstate counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester.  Chapter 1 covers the rest of New York State.

Because AAP members from New York City are split between Chapters 2 and 3, look for increased collaboration between the Chapters through our Committees and initiatives that further our agenda in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Now a little about us:

NYS AAP – CHAPTER 2 OFFICERS & STAFF

Steven J. Goldstein, MD, FAAP

Steven J. Goldstein, MD, FAAP

President
Steven J. Goldstein, MD, FAAP
sjg34@cornell.edu
Follow Chapter 2 on Twitter @NYSAAPCH2
Follow me on Twitter @SteveGoldstei10I am a general pediatrician with offices in Brooklyn and Queens.  In my
work as Chair of the Pediatric Council I advocate for children’s
healthcare coverage and for fair payment for pediatric services.  I
believe that a healthy future for our nation and a competitive workforce
in the global marketplace depends on raising our children in safe
environments with adequate nutrition, educational opportunities, and
quality pediatric healthcare.

Shetal Shah, MD, FAAP

Shetal Shah, MD, FAAP

Vice President
Shetal Shah, MD, FAAP
shetaldoc@hotmail.comI am a practicing neonatologist and Professor of Neonatology and
Pediatrics at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital/New York Medical
College.  My interests include neonatal immunology (particularly
immunizations), stem cell therapy and neonatal healthcare policy.  My
work with the AAP started when I wanted to help pass a law in NYS to
promote influenza immunization.  My work with the local AAP Chapter
showed me the power of dedicated individuals to institute change.  We have had much success, but there is still work to do!

Robert Lee, DO, FAAP

Robert Lee, DO, FAAP

Secretary
Robert Lee, DO, FAAP
robertlee.do@gmail.comI am an academic pediatrician and Associate Residency Program
Director at NYU-Winthrop Hospital.  As Co-Chair of the new Foster
and Kinship Care Committee, I advocate for children exposed to toxic
stress.  I will help develop quality educational programs and work to
engage the members with the goal of improving children’s health
through policy, advocacy, and education.

Sara Kopple, MD, FAAP

Sara Kopple, MD, FAAP

Treasurer
Sara E. Kopple, MD, FAAP
SaraKopple@gmail.comI am a general pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Clinical
Medicine at The New York-Presbyterian/Queens Medical Center.  My
interests include early childhood development, legislative advocacy,
and medical education.  I believe our role as pediatricians in the
community is to advocate and provide a voice for children and
families on an individual and population level.

Jessical Geslani

Jessica Geslani

Executive Director
Jessica Geslani
jgeslani@aap.orgOn July 1, 2017, Jessica Geslani assumed her new position as
Executive Director of the Chapter.  She will also serve Chapter 3,
facilitating our joint initiatives.We welcome Jessica to her new responsibilities.

Elie Ward

Elie Ward

Director of Policy, Advocacy & External Relations
Elie Ward, MSW
eward@aap.netElie Ward also transitioned into a new position in July, and we
welcome her efforts to represent the members of the District both in
Albany and New York City.  She will also assist in Grant
Management for the Chapters.

GET INVOLVED IN THE NYS AAP – CHAPTER 2!

Do you have a particular interest, specialty or passion within Pediatrics?  Do you perceive the need for an educational program we have not addressed?  Our Committees welcome new members and new ideas.  The Committees, their Chairs, and contact information are listed here: http://ny2aap.org/chapter-committees/.

Send an introductory email to us or to a Committee Chair and join with us and pursue your interest or passion!

We will be publicizing a number of events of interest to our members in the coming weeks, and hope you will join in.  The AAP’s National Conference and Exhibition was in Chicago this year, from September 15 to 19, and fulfilled its promise to be a great way to network, learn, and develop our skills.  The NCE is in Orlando next year, and the NCE site can be reached here: http://aapexperience.org.

We are on social media.  Please sign up for Chapter 2’s Twitter account @NYSAAPCH2 to get a daily, 140-character dose of the work we do each day to make our region a healthier place for children and a more practice-friendly environment.  If you need help creating a Twitter account, contact Jessica Geslani at jgeslani@aap.org.

The Officers of the Chapter look forward to working with you in the coming years.  Please let us know what you need and how we can engage you in our vital work.

Sincerely,
Steve Goldstein
Shetal Shah
Robert Lee
Sara Kopple