The society recognizes distinguished academic leaders, educators, and researchers whose contributions have earned national and international acclaim.
Melissa Bauserman, MD, MPH, a neonatologist at UNC Health and professor of pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine, has been elected to the American Pediatric Society (APS), North America’s first and most prestigious academic pediatric organization.
According to the APS, members are “recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to strengthen academic pediatrics by expanding the workforce, nurturing leaders, and developing innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges.”
Bauserman is a physician-scientist specializing in the fields of global public health and international nutrition. Her research focuses on infant malnutrition, perinatal effects of malaria in early pregnancy, and infectious and environmental causes of stunting in infants and young children.
Her work has received recognition across the globe and led to numerous research collaborations within UNC, including the UNC School of Medicine, the Gillings School of Global Public Health, the Carolina Population Center, and the UNC Water Institute. She also has research partnerships outside of UNC, including RTI International, the World Health Organization, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Bauserman will be formally recognized at the APS Howland Gala, held during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2026 Meeting in Boston, April 24–27, 2026.
About the American Pediatric Society
The American Pediatric Society (APS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1888 as the first pediatric society in North America. The mission of the APS is to strengthen academic pediatrics by expanding the workforce, nurturing leaders, and developing innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges.
The 1,800 plus members of APS are recognized leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics. For more information, please visit aps1888.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Media contact: Kendall Rovinsky, Communications Specialist, UNC Health | UNC School of Medicine