HISTORY

Welcome to the Irish and American Paediatric Society. We are an international Society

founded in 1963 by Drs. Bill Kidney, Professor Trinity College, Dublin, Fred Burke,

Professor and Chair, Georgetown University, and Thomas Cone, Chair of the National

Naval Medical Center, Bethesda and Harvard Professor. The founders’ intent was

to form a society to bring pediatricians in Ireland and America (with ancestral

ties to Ireland) closer together.

The original By-laws read:

Exchange of scientific and cultural information in the broad area of child life between Ireland and the United States.

Membership in the Society is limited to the few who possess the noble qualities of the

founding members. These are: vivid imagination, sharp wit, the understatement of the

Introvert, all these combined with the highest level of professional knowledge. (While much

of the above was in jest, it captures the special temperament of our founders).

The Society was officially incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on May

9, 1968 and the first Scientific Meeting held August 2 and 3, 1968 at Trinity

College in Dublin. Meetings are held annually with Ireland and America serving

as host in alternate years. Outstanding scientific sessions are conducted by members,

member Professors and Deans as well as prominent academicians from the host country.

Meetings provide Continuing Medical Education Credits and are tax deductible.

Our Society currently has over 300 members and includes some of the leading academicians,

neonatologists and pediatricians in Ireland and North America. In addition, collaborative

research on cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and other diseases has been coordinated

between recognized authorities in Ireland and North America. The

social program is an important part of our annual meeting and includes tours of

the host country’s scenic and historical sites and offers members an opportunity

to experience local culture. This venue provides an enjoyable change from the

normal medical meeting agenda. Most important, our members enjoy a warm camaraderie

which is truly special.

The Irish and American Paediatric Foundation supports the Len and Arlean Fries Travel

Award Program. This program provides travel grants to pediatricians in training

enabling them to attend our meeting and present scientific papers. Grants are

provided annually and are awarded on a competitive basis.  

We welcome your interest in this unique Medical Society.