The application period is now closed for internships between July 2024 and June 2025. Applications for the internship cycle running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, will open in the spring of 2025. Sign up to receive an email notification of the next application cycle. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers an advocacy internship in Washington, DC for medical students, pediatric residents and fellowship trainees. Interns work with the AAP State and Federal Advocacy teams, who advocate for policies to benefit pediatricians and child health before Congress, federal administrative agencies, and—working through our state chapters—state legislatures and agencies.

Program Description

For the last four decades, the AAP has offered this advocacy internship program, which is designed for those interested in learning about child health policy, the legislative process, and public affairs activities. The internship program is available to AAP members who are medical students, residents, or fellow trainees. While each intern will have a different experience, examples of internship activities include:

  • Hearings and briefings: Interns attend congressional hearings on a variety of child health issues. Interns may also attend Committee meetings, public meetings at federal agencies, general oversight hearings, and/or educational briefings.
  • Research: Interns assist with the preparation of background material on federal and state policy issues.
  • Coalitions: Interns learn the value of forming useful collaborations with other organizations that have similar goals. Interns have the opportunity to attend coalition meetings with AAP staff and independently.
  • Advocacy Communications: Interns with an interest in advocacy communications can assist public affairs staff on projects to communicate child health policy issues effectively to AAP members, media and the public.

Internship Requirements

Interns generally work in-person in the AAP Washington Office for 4 consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, with the opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week. Internships can be scheduled at any time during the year except for the month of August.

The internship is available to medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees with an interest and/or specialty in pediatrics. Interns should have a strong demonstrated interest in domestic and/or global child health advocacy and at least a basic understanding of U.S. government institutions and processes. Interns must be members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Memberships are available at significantly discounted rates for medical students, residents, and post-residency trainees. 
Interns wear business casual attire in the office, and business attire (such as a jacket and tie) when attending outside events, such as those on Capitol Hill.

Application Process

Applications for internships from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, will open in the spring of 2025. To sign up to receive an email notification of the next application cycle, please complete this survey. 

For additional information regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics' internship program, please contact [email protected].