A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Gaudet founded the Children's Medical Group (of Hattiesburg) in 1998. Prior to starting a practice in Hattiesburg, Dr. Gaudet was chief resident and a member of the faculty at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He is Board Certified and serves on committees at both Wesley and Forrest General Hospital, devoted to improving the quality of healthcare for children in Hattiesburg.

Dr. John Gaudet

Core Values. We believe in the inherent worth of all children. They are our most enduring and vulnerable legacy. Children deserve optimum health and require the highest quality health care. Pediatricians (primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists) are the best qualified of all health professionals to provide child health care. A dynamic organization is necessary to advance these values. The American Academy of Pediatrics is that organization.

Vision. The American Academy of Pediatrics exists to prepare its members with the tools, skills, and knowledge to be the best qualified health professionals 1) to advocate for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults and provide for their care; 2) to collaborate with others to assure child health; and 3) to ensure that decision-making affecting the health and well-being of children and their families is based upon the needs of those children and families. The American Academy of Pediatrics also exists to support members professional satisfaction and personal growth. By providing these services, the American Academy of Pediatrics will be the most valuable professional organization to which those eligible for membership can belong.

Mission. The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. To this purpose, the Academy and its members dedicate their efforts and resources.

The American Academy of Pediatrics will accomplish this mission by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Academy members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care.