Advocacy in Pediatric Academia: Charting a Path Forward

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Academic Medicine
• Health Advocacy

Background:

• Pediatricians are vital child health advocates.
• Limited academic promotion pathways exist for advocacy.
• Current scholarship definitions may not encompass advocacy impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an expanded definition of scholarship for pediatric advocacy.
• To demonstrate how a portfolio format can document advocacy activities.
• To emphasize the need for institutional recognition of advocacy.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an expanded definition of scholarship.
• Employing a portfolio format to present advocacy work.
• Analyzing the quantity, quality, and impact of advocacy.

Main Results:

• Advocacy activities can be effectively documented and evaluated.
• A portfolio highlights the scholarly nature of advocacy.
• Recognition of advocacy is crucial for academic congruence.

Conclusions:

• An expanded scholarship definition supports pediatric advocacy.
• Portfolios provide a viable method for showcasing advocacy impact.
• Institutional and organizational value is essential for advancing advocacy in academia.