Clinical dean elected 2010 AAP president

Dr. Marion Burton, associate dean for clinical affairs at the USC School of Medicine, was elected president for the 2010-2011 term of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the nation’s largest pediatric organization, at its national conference last October.

“I will be working every day to support the health and well-being of children around the world,” Burton said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics was formed in 1930 as a branch of the American Medical Association. Burton said it is a complex organization that deals with any child health policy issues both nationally and internationally.

After a rigorous selection process and election where 60,000 member pediatricians voted, Burton was selected. He feels that his background in both pediatric practice and academics made him an appealing choice.

“I’ve done a diverse number of things both in my practice career and with my work with the association,” Burton said. “I understand pediatrics but also departments of medicine because of my time at the University.”

Burton ran with four basic objectives, and is now evaluating them to see how to implement his goals most effectively.

Burton said his first push will be for health care reform. He said he wants to see every child covered by health insurance.

“The door is open now, and it’s a door that has never been opened this wide for us before,” Burton said.

He also wants to improve conditions for practicing pediatricians. Pediatricians are often paid less than adult doctors, largely because of insurance plans.

Burton also said he wants to focus on improving the social determinants of health. As more children are covered with health insurance, things such as health literacy and poverty will play an increasing role in the quality of care that children receive.

Lastly, Burton wants to promote the value of pediatrics to society. As the first doctors that many children see, pediatricians play a large role in shaping the future of America.

“We want to try to help the child grow and develop so their lives will be successful,” Burton said.

Though his term as president doesn’t begin for another year, Burton said he will be working closely with the Academy both now and during the year after his term.  Burton said he hopes to accomplish all of these things in his time with the American Academy of Pediatrics; however, he conceded that the three-year period is relatively short.

“It is much like bearing a torch,” Burton said. “You try to continue what past presidents have started and also ignite some activities for after you’ve gone. You also keep naysayers from snuffing out the torch and light a few catalyst fires.”

“You also carry the torch of the academy as spokesperson,” Burton said.

His new role as president will change his role within the university, he and Dr. Richard Hoppmann, the dean of the USC’s School of Medicine, are already making plans for when his duties change.

Hoppmann said Burton has been a committed advocate for children and their parents in a recent press release.

“It comes as no surprise to those of us who have worked with him that he will lead the American Academy of Pediatrics,” Hoppmann said in a press release. “He represents outstanding faculty in our School of Medicine, and he brings distinction to our medical school and the University of South Carolina through his leadership.”

Burton, 64, said many of these transitions were coming anyway.

“It is a natural evolution that has been hastened by the presidency,” Burton said.

Burton said he ultimately wants his time with the Academy to accomplish what will be best for the health of children.

“I would like for the Academy to be a stakeholder in achieving adequate health care coverage and access for all children in order for them to have a medical home that meets the needs of their physical, mental and social well-being while improving support and payments for pediatricians to allow them to accomplish this,” Burton said.