Within the Academy are 41 sections that consist of members with interests in specialized areas of pediatrics, such as dermatology,radiology, and neurology. Soon the Academy realized that it could greatly improve its role as a child's advocate by maintaining a close relationship with our policy makers in Washington. To this end, the Academy's Department of Government Liaison serves as an information source for congressional offices, federal agencies, and organizations concerned with child and adolescent health. The Washington staff provides reliable background information, expert testimony, and media material on any health and social issue confronting today's children and their families. To become a member of the Academy, a physician must be certified in pediatrics by either the American Board of Pediatrics or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Certification is done by written and oral test based on the applicant's knowledge of pediatrics.
In addition, the Academy publishes Healthy Kids magazine that contains important information on child health and is distributed free of charge in members' offices. The Academy produces the Healthy Kids Show on the Family Channel cable network that offers practical guidance from experts and lively question and answer sessions with parents. Free printed information on a variety of child care and health topics is available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the national office. Over fifty different brochures are available on topics ranging from breast feeding, circumcision, immunizations to CPR, poison prevention, and swimming lessons. Recent additions include booklets on health insurance for children, television and children, and marijuana.