ACEP Pediatric Emergency Medicine Section Spotlight: Practical Pediatrics for Every ED, From Quick Pearls to Big-Stage Education

In this ACEP Early Career Physicians spotlight, Dr. Laurel Barr talks with Dr. Shiva Kalidindi (Chair) about how the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Section supports emergency physicians who care for children, whether you practice in a dedicated pediatric ED or you are the “peds doc by default” in a mixed department. Their conversation highlights the section’s mission, its strong education focus, and several easy ways for members to contribute and get connected.

What the Section offers

Focused on education and support, the Section helps emergency physicians deliver better care to children. The section prioritizes practical content that clinicians can use immediately, especially those practicing without pediatric specialists close at hand. 

Why this Section matters for early-career physicians

Pediatric patients can be some of the most stressful cases early in practice, where small details matter, emotions run high, and clinical confidence is still developing. The section helps shorten that learning curve by offering accessible education, shared case based learning, and a community that helps members understand what effective pediatric care looks like in everyday emergency practice.

Opportunities to contribute: a clear pathway for members

The section is built to make member participation visible and achievable. One clear entry point is the e-images competition, where members can submit a pediatric case image with a brief teaching summary for recognition at Scientific Assembly. Members can also contribute through abstracts, presentations, and educational content, with a clear message that meaningful participation is open to anyone with a strong case or useful teaching point.

Resources you can use now

The section offers quick reference website content on common pediatric topics, practical webinars on current issues, and ongoing educational updates shared through its communication channels. 

A leadership theme: service, consistency, and showing up

The interview highlights a leadership model rooted in service, consistency, and long term contribution. Within this section, leadership is reflected not only in titles, but in the ongoing work of building programs, supporting education, and showing up for the pediatric EM community.

Closing takeaways

Pediatric emergency care is not a niche skill. It is part of everyday emergency medicine, and this section is built to help physicians do it well. Through practical education, peer connection, and meaningful opportunities to engage, the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Section helps members strengthen their skills and deliver more confident care when pediatric patients arrive.

Visit the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Section