DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 12, 2026 — Iowa pediatricians have received national recognition for work to improve children’s health across the state, including community outreach efforts that helped provide more than 2,000 vaccinations to Iowa children and families.

The American Academy of Pediatrics named its Iowa Chapter (Iowa AAP) an Outstanding Chapter in recognition of its work in child health, advocacy, physician education and community engagement.

“This recognition reflects the work of pediatricians and partners across Iowa who help children and families access the care and resources they need,” said Ashlesha Kaushik, MD, MS, FAAP, president of the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Iowa pediatricians go above and beyond for the patients they serve, and we are proud to see that work recognized nationally.”

Over the past year, Iowa AAP has supported initiatives addressing childhood immunizations, obesity prevention and treatment, maternal and infant health, pediatric mental health, developmental screening, oral health and physician education.

Community outreach efforts helped provide more than 2,000 vaccinations to Iowa children and families. The chapter also distributed more than 200 copies of “Bye Bye Big Sick,” a children’s vaccine education book co-authored by Iowa pediatrician Nathan Boonstra, MD, and nearly 900 resources designed to encourage healthy eating and other healthy habits.

Other ongoing efforts include pediatric mental health and suicide prevention, infectious disease education, developmental screening for children from birth to age 5 and oral health initiatives. Iowa AAP also provides continuing medical education and leadership opportunities for pediatric health care professionals and advocates on issues affecting Iowa children and families.

The Iowa Medical Society provides association management support to Iowa AAP and partners with the chapter on initiatives including efforts to promote HPV vaccination as cancer prevention.

About the Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
The Iowa AAP is comprised of more than 350 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and other healthcare providers from across the state. Membership remains active at the community, state, and national levels and provide subject matter expertise on grant projects, workgroups, committees, and advisory councils. Visit https://www.iowapeds.org/

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Media Contact:
Kristina Seier, Executive Director
Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
515-421-4774    iowachapteraap@gmail.com