Going Back to Cali. Cali. Cali.

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Washington DC where I had the pleasure of attending the AAP National Conference and Exhibition. The fact that I was able to hang out with my closest friend from residency and see some colleagues I had lost touch with made it even better. The conference is an enormous conglomeration of pediatricians combining learning, networking, reconnecting, and socializing (with the aid of a drink or two) and it all runs like clockwork. At least it appears that way to my untrained eye! There is a welcome reception on the first night and I can only compare it to a wedding reception complete with a band, buffet, open bar and embarrassing numbers of uncoordinated doctors dancing. The next day is kicked off with talks beginning at 7am. No, I didn't go to any of those. There is a limit to my passion for learning... The next night the conference attendees were able to take over the Smithsonian American History museum and left to wander for 3 hours. An amazing opportunity to see the museum without hordes of tourists. So fun! And do you want to know my favorite part? Julia Child's kitchen. Oh I drooled over her pots and pans and the counter space! Holy heck! The Young Physician's reception the following night was another opportunity for free food and drinks and connecting with residency classmates from around the country. All in all a great time for everyone...except maybe the circumcision protesters hanging around outside for 4 days. They looked a little lonely. And cold.

Can I let you in on a little secret? I'm charged with planning the Young Physician Section programming for next year's conference. The topic is advocacy and so far i'm really pleased with our potential speakers. This is timely in the wake of health care reform and the legislative battles being waged. Don't you wish you knew more about how to get your voice heard? Or how to get the people around you excited enough to want their voice heard? It's hot. It's fresh. It's delivered right to your door and all you have to do is meet me in San Francisco next October. And don't forget to wear flowers in your hair. Or something to that effect.