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Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS)

Way back in 1996 I was asked to co-coordinate with Charlie Ryan. PROS has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career as a pediatrician. Being able to contribute in a small way to the overall knowledge and advancement of care for our patients is so satisfying! There are three new exciting projects: 2 on promoting vaccines and working with families who are hesitant and one on early intervention for childhood obesity. Please let me know if anyone has an interest in participating.

In 1986, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) founded a national pediatric primary care practice-based research network, Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS). The work of PROS is inherently tied to real-world experiences through the involvement of PROS Coordinators. PROS Coordinators are critical to the continued relevance and success of PROS as they:

  • Provide input on priority areas for research.
  • Review proposed PROS study protocols—assessing them for “do-ability” in busy, community-based practices.
  • Attend 1 annual expense-paid in-person meeting at AAP Headquarters (Chicago) (next PROS Coordinators meeting: March 8-9, 2025).

PROS seeks for each AAP State Chapter to have a PROS Coordinator. I am currently looking for a someone to help as a co-Coordinator as I work towards retirement.

If you are a primary care pediatrician who sees patients in private outpatient practice (not in a hospital/academic center clinic) who is interested in sharing your observations from daily clinical practice and offering your perspectives on the feasibility of proposed PROS studies, contact Everly Macario, ScD, Director of Primary Care Research, AAP, emacario@aap.org.

  • While not a requirement for being a PROS Coordinator, we are especially eager to have representation of early career pediatricians and from practices in rural areas.
  • To be a PROS Coordinator, you do not need any prior research experience.
  • Time commitment: PROS Coordinators are volunteers and select from various opportunities based on interests and as their time permits—from participating in study focus groups/interviews/surveys to joining a PROS study to helping to recruit patients/families to studies.

PROS Coordinators say they enjoy the camaraderie and intellectual stimulation serving this role. Join us!