Stewart Teal Legacy Program
Named after one of CALACAP’s founding members Dr Stewart Teal, whose longstanding contributions to child advocacy, legislative engagement and mentorship helped shape CALACAP’s culture of sustained physician engagement in public policy.
The Stewart Teal Legacy Program was launched at the 2026 Spring Advocacy Day and designed to increase trainee engagement in youth mental health advocacy in California and nurture physician leadership skills, through mentorship and active involvement in advocacy.
The program will provide travel stipends up to $500 for travel reimbursement. The California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CALACAP) invites medical students, residents and fellows to participate in the Stewart Teal Legacy Program!
Who can participate?
Any medical student or resident/fellow who is a member of AACAP and by default CALACAP who is interested in child and adolescent psychiatry, advocacy, and healthcare policy.
What is involved?
Regular attendance in a committee:
Government Affairs and Advocacy (GAA) (1st Tuesdays of the month 8-9pm PST)
OR
Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) (1st Wednesdays of the month 7.30-8.30pm PST)
• Manage essential resource documents and partake in advocacy work:
• Creation of resource documents related to important child and adolescent psychiatric issues (template already created by CARE)
• Research hot topics and share potential advocacy work on such subjects to the relevant CALACAP committee (GAA and/or CARE)
• Participation in the legislative process, including working closely with legislative advocates and mentors to learn about testifying and supporting bills
Trainees will be assigned a mentor to help them navigate the process.
Trainees who have attended a minimum of 80% of committee meetings with active participation and contribution will be eligible for travel reimbursements to Fall Advocacy Day or Spring Advocacy Day for up to $500.
How to get involved?
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis. If you are interested or have additional questions, please email: info@calacap.org. We look forward to hearing from you!