JELF Scholar Update: Reflections from the 2026 AAP Advocacy Conference

JELF Scholar Update: Reflections from the 2026 AAP Advocacy Conference

From April 12-14, the JELF Scholars as well as many pediatric nephrologists participated alongside general pediatricians and other pediatric sub-specialists in the 2026 AAP Advocacy Conference. The first two days of the conference were full of powerful speakers, insightful panels, and practical advocacy skills-building workshops. This culminated in the final day on The Hill meeting as small state-based delegations with House Representative and Senate staff advocating for the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act. For me, as a first-year JELF Scholar, this conference served as a bright spot in what nearly every speaker described as an “unprecedented” time of assault and mistrust in science, public health, and medicine. I wish to share a few of these bright moments and lessons learned from the conference this month.

1. Small, but strong: One of my favorite moments of the conference was when JELF alumnus, Dr. Ray Bignall, was introduced in the “Pediatricians in Advocacy” panel. The small group of pediatric nephrologists scattered throughout the conference room cheered so loudly that the moderator returned to reintroduce the other panel members so the audience could ensure that all the panelists received the same warm welcome as our nephrologist. I further felt this strength within the pediatric nephrology community when Dr. Patty Seo-Mayer hosted dinner for the pediatric nephrologists in attendance. It was a joy listening to the stories from the lives and practices of colleagues throughout the country and at all phases of their careers. These moments were a reminder that, despite the challenges our subspecialty faces and the severity of our workforce crisis, pediatric nephrologists are present. We are doing the work, and we are cheering each other on along the way.
2. Messaging matters: During the conference, I listened to speakers from the FrameWorks Institute share evidence-based strategies for promoting pro-vaccine legislation. Unsurprisingly, they reviewed the power of pediatricians’ stories and experience in highlighting the importance of childhood vaccines. However, I was surprised to hear the FrameWorks experts share that stories about children living normal lives of attending school, participating in sports, etc., because of the protection offered by “community immunity” (the preferred term to discuss “herd immunity”) are often better received than stories about tragic outcomes like children dying of vaccine-preventable illnesses. This is not to diminish the importance of sharing and warning about these tragedies, but rather to keep skeptical ears open by leading with shared goals of healthy children living healthy lives in the polarized, political environment in which we find ourselves.
3. Priorities, passions, and patience: Early in the conference, the moderator listed a wide range of issues affecting children’s health including mental health, immigration policy, gun violence, funding for supplemental nutrition assistance, and so many more. Every issue had a group of impassioned pediatricians. Yet, to be effective advocates with consolidated resources and voices, we had to prioritize – and this year, the priority was vaccines. I am learning that one of the most challenging parts of advocacy is finding the right balance between progressing projects of passion with the patience and strategy required to build the momentum – to build the moment when effective change is possible.

I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to participate in this year’s AAP Advocacy Conference, and to share stories about the importance of vaccines to our pediatric nephrology patients. I look forward to continuing to advocate and addressing more of the environmental and policy challenges that affect our patients alongside this dedicated community of pediatric nephrologists.

Author: Stephanie Kerkvliet