Message from the President

Happy New Year! While I know your schedules remain busy, I hope that you’ve been able to find some time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones during the holiday season.  

A new year always brings fresh energy. We look around us, reflect on the past, and take the time to set intentions for the future. That is certainly the case for me as I assume the role of PPOC President and CEO. Having had a chance to speak with many of you about this transition, I am filled with a sense of optimism about the future. I am humbled by the positive reception I have received. I would particularly like to share my sincere appreciation for Dr. Greg Young, with gratitude for his mentorship and steadfast dedication to the PPOC for more than 17 years.  

Since I joined the PPOC nearly two years ago, I have been inspired by all that you do on behalf of children and families in Massachusetts. In my previous role of Chief Medical Officer, I was able to visit many of your practices and get to know you, your patients, and your communities. Your commitment to children and families continues to be at the heart of this organization. I have confidence in the strength of the PPOC’s partnership with its members, and I look forward to immersing myself even more deeply in your work. I intend to maintain our positive momentum while intently pursuing new avenues to support our members in delivering high-quality, compassionate pediatric primary care to the many diverse communities we serve across the Commonwealth.  

One of my highest priorities for 2024 and beyond is implementation of the new strategy discussed at our fall member meeting. We will be focused on enabling PPOC practices to perform their clinical and administrative work with more ease in order to continue improving the quality of care for all our patients. We envision helping members to reduce low-value effort so that they can focus on what really matters – consistently delivering excellent care across the board. I’m pleased to report we are already well underway, and you will hear more about our initiatives in the coming months.  

In order to execute on our strategy to the best of our ability, we intend to recruit and onboard a new Chief Medical Officer. We have formed a search committee and have interviews planned this month. I am excited by the opportunity to select a new leader of the clinical and quality programming for the PPOC and to fill this important role on the senior management team.   I am immensely proud of the collaboration that defines the PPOC. The vital work we do together here in Massachusetts truly sets an example for pediatric primary care everywhere, and I look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen this organization in the years to come.

Margaret Fry, MD
President and CEO
Pediatric Physicians' Organization at Children's

The PPOC is one of the largest pediatric primary care physician organizations in the country, with more than 360 pediatric primary care physicians, 130 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 100+ integrated behavioral health clinicians, working in community-based practices in 105 locations throughout Massachusetts.

The PPOC network has spotlighted the need for all of us to strive for 'better.' To provide better communication, better patient engagement, better staff training, and most importantly to deliver the best care possible to our patients.

Julianne Nemes Walsh, DNP, PNP-BC
Bridgewater Pediatrics