Obtaining membership as a fellow from a professional medical organization has many benefits. It designates you as an expert in your field and allows networking opportunities with other physicians dedicated to providing high quality medical care. As a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), you receive the right to vote on issues within the Academy, a subscription to the organization’s monthly journal, Pediatrics, access to research and clinical practice tools and resources and discounts on national conference registration and other products and services. (see references 1, 2)

Obtain board certification in pediatrics from the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or La Corporation Professionelle de Medicins du Quebec, depending on your country of residence and medical degree. Each certifying board has its own registration and training requirements that you must complete before you can take the certification exam. (see reference 2)

Gather the necessary information and documentation required for the fellow application. You must provide information regarding the location, type and start and completion dates for your medical education, residency, fellowship training, employment and pediatrics certifying board and date of certification. You will also need the medical license number for the state(s) in which you are authorized to practice. (see reference 2)

Complete and submit the fellow application available online at the American Academy of Pediatrics website. The fee for your first year is $289.50; it increases to $579 for each subsequent year that you wish to remain a fellow. (see reference 2)