Drs. Simonsen, Anderson Berry named to American Pediatric Society

Kari Simonsen, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Pediatrics, and Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, executive director of the Child Health Research Institute, have been named as new members of the American Pediatric Society.

Founded in 1888, the APS is North America’s first and most prestigious academic pediatric organization. Drs. Simonsen and Anderson Berry, will be recognized during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2024 Meeting, which will be held in May in Toronto.

APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics.

“It is an honor to be recognized with Dr. Simonsen and other members of the 2024 class of the American Pediatric Society,” Dr. Anderson Berry said. “It is my hope that the work that I have done in child health research and advocacy has had an impact on the care and wellbeing of children here in Nebraska and beyond.

“This recognition is a direct result of the increased investment of time and resources in academic pediatrics at Children’s Nebraska and UNMC,” she said. “Being part of APS recognizes that the work done at our institutions has national impact and value and will allow us to have continued influence in recruitment, grant funding and program development over the coming years.”

Dr. Simonsen added:

“Recognition through APS membership increases the national visibility for the UNMC Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Nebraska. As a membership organization, it also provides future opportunity to sponsor and nominate others who have achieved meaningful accomplishments in the field of pediatrics.”

APS President Michael DeBaun, MD, said, “The APS is delighted to welcome this outstanding group of pediatric physician-scientists, pediatric surgery-scientists and pediatric psychologists in North America.”

UNMC College of Medicine Dean Bradley Britigan, MD, congratulated Drs. Simonsen and Anderson Berry.

“The APS is the most prestigious academic society in pediatrics,” Dr. Britigan said. “This recognition of Drs. Simonsen and Anderson Berry underscores their growing stature nationally as they continue, in their leadership roles, to champion pediatric education, research and cutting-edge clinical care.”

The APS, which has nearly 1,200 members, is dedicated to the advancement of child health through the promotion of pediatric research, recognition of achievement and cultivation of excellence through advocacy, scholarship, education and leadership development. Members of APS are recognized as academic leaders in pediatrics, and they continue to contribute to the overall progress of child health while inspiring the next generation of child health professionals.