Advocacy for Children: A Pediatrician's Core Professionalism Responsibility

Abstract

Pediatric advocacy is an effort to champion the well-being of children and adolescents, ensuring access to quality health care and addressing socioeconomic issues linked to adverse health. This article explores pediatricians' responsibilities in advocating for their patients within the health care system and in broader societal contexts. Models of physician advocacy and the concept of advocacy as a fundamental professionalism responsibility, grounded in ethical principles and societal obligations, are introduced. As providers for patients who lack the capacity to advocate for themselves, the unique role of the pediatrician is examined. The improving landscape of advocacy education in undergraduate and graduate medical training programs is presented, and the concept that engaging in advocacy can help physicians battle burnout is raised. Barriers to advocacy for pediatricians are addressed. Pediatricians should leverage their expertise and influence to advance the health and rights of patients and their families. [ Pediatr Ann . 2024;53(12):e452–e457.]