UC Davis pediatrics leader appointed to American Academy of Pediatrics’ national committee

Satyan Lakshminrusimha, chair of pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief of UC Davis Children's Hospital, has been appointed to an influential committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Effective July 1, Lakshminrusimha will serve on the Committee on Child Health Financing, which advises the AAP board of directors on various aspects and sources for private and public financing of children's healthcare services. The committee's role includes monitoring and making policy recommendations regarding managed care, emerging health insurance options and scope of benefits.

The committee collaborates with other AAP panels, councils and sections to inform the organization on federal and state financing activities. The AAP assists chapters in their efforts to influence the monies involved in state determination of Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and other government healthcare financing programs.

Lakshminrusimha, a neonatologist, was the co-chair of UC Davis Health's Clinical Funds Flow Committee for the past five years and chair of the UC Davis Medical Group finance committee this past year. These experiences, he said, have reinforced the importance of crucial strategic financial alignment to AAP's clinical mission.

"I am truly honored to join the AAP Committee on Child Health Financing to advocate for sustainable pediatric care models on a national scale," Lakshminrusimha said. "I look forward to translating our local insights into national policies that sustain the pediatric subspecialist workforce, and protect and expand access to high-quality care for all children."

Lakshminrusimha's appointment is for six years, contingent on AAP board reappointment every two years.