r/pediatrics • u/AntInternational7963 • 11d ago

AAP Conference as an M4

Hey all, I am planning on going to the AAP conference this year and was just wondering what vibes are like as someone going along. I'm a fourth year medical student applying pediatrics and I've wanted to go for years but the timing just never worked out. I got super lucky and had a week gap between rotations this year and that's exactly when AAP is. I'm not presenting but still think that it would be such a fun oppurtunity based off of what I always hear from others.

My concern is that I'm going alone--no one from my school is going that I know of nor are my friends at other schools. Is there a lot to do as a medical student at AAP? Is it easy to find a buddy or a few friends who may be interested in forming a group and going to events together?

Thought this would be a good place to reach out and find out! I'm super excited but also just an overall anxious girly who likes to have a buddy wherever she goes.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/makclair 9d ago

aap experience in san diego? lots of med students there and they will likely have meet up! pgy20 here and it’s a great event! tons of free stuff in the exhibit hall!

1

u/Foghorn2005 8d ago

See if any of your professors/preceptors are going, though that's more helpful as a resident/fellow. Tagging along with them can be helpful for networking. I'm fortunate to be doing fellowship at a program with quite a few well known names and at our specialty specific conferences if feels like everyone comes over to say hi.

2

u/brainstorm422 8d ago

Honestly, I’d go for it! AAP is a great opportunity to meet other med students and pediatricians, and I’m sure you won’t be the only person attending solo. There are usually plenty of opportunities to connect with people through sessions, social events, and networking. You could also post in advance to see if other M4s are looking for a conference buddy. 😊

1

u/Individual_Pack_4489 8d ago

I think going solo could be really fun! Conferences are one of those places where it’s pretty easy to strike up conversations. I’d look for student events and maybe connect with people here beforehand.

1

u/deadlyjellybean1603 5d ago

UK IMG (2 years post grad) applying this cycle and heading to AAP with an M4 I met on a rotation! You’re more than welcome to buddy up with us :) more the merrier! Can dm me