Founded in 2021 by Insiyah Campwala, MD, the Alliance of Pediatric Surgeons Growing and Advancing Representation (APGAR) has rapidly expanded into a national virtual community supporting students and trainees interested in pediatric surgery. The organization brings together high school and college students, medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty pediatric surgeons from institutions across the country.
APGAR was originally created as a University of Pittsburgh–led virtual panel series before partnering with similar efforts at the University of Michigan. It has since evolved into a nationwide network focused on increasing representation of underrepresented groups in pediatric surgery, offering mentorship, and strengthening cross‑institutional connections. The organization is led by Dr. Campwala along with a leadership board of medical students and junior residents from around the U.S.
APGAR’s programming includes a longitudinal small‑group mentorship initiative that pairs trainees with faculty mentors for quarterly virtual meetings. The group also hosts year‑round panels covering topics such as fetal surgery, pediatric oncology and palliative care, trauma and injury prevention, global surgery, artificial intelligence, social media, imposter syndrome, and professional development. The next scheduled event is a panel focused on pediatric surgery research.
The community currently includes more than 260 trainees and over 80 faculty members who regularly participate in APGAR’s sessions. These networks have already supported students in gaining admission to college and medical school, and helped trainees secure residency and fellowship positions through connections formed during APGAR events. An early study on APGAR’s impact has been published, and a five‑year follow‑up evaluation is planned.
APGAR shares updates on X at @apgarcommunity, and on Instagram at @APGAR_pedsurgery. Anyone interested in attending events or joining the contact list is encouraged to reach out to apgarcommunity@gmail.com.
You can read an article about APGAR published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery here.
