by First Lady Michelle Obama has taped her first Executive Director of the Let’s Move! Initiative. Pediatrician Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP was named as the new Director. She was the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Immediate Past President.
AAP and Let’s Move!
The AAP is actually a national partner of Let’s Move! And Dr. Palfrey had previously spent time at the White House with Michelle Obama to launch the campaign. Let’s Move! is Michelle Obama’s initiative that is dedicated to solving the issue of obesity, particularly for children. AAP is also committed to eradicating the issue of childhood obesity in the U.S.As O. Marion Burton, MD, FAAP, AAP president said,
“Over the past 20 years, our nation has seen an alarming rise in the number of our children who are overweight and obese. It will take a continued concerted effort and thoughtful collaboration to create healthier communities for children. Dr. Palfrey has spent her career advocating for the health and well-being of children.”
As Burton continued, “She brings a wealth of clinical, research and practice expertise, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of preventive health and promotion. The AAP has had the privilege of drawing upon this expertise for many years, and wishes her much success in this important new role. She is the ideal candidate for the job.”
New Position
Recently, Dr. Palfrey has been the Director of the Children’s International Pediatric Center at Children’s Hospital in Boston and the master of Adams House at Harvard College. She will be taking a leave from these positions to be the Executive Director of Let’s Move! She has written five books which include Community Child Health and Child Health in America and more than 100 articles.
