Pediatrics academy celebrates diamond anniversary

AMA Leader Commentary. By J. James Rohack, MD, May 2, 2005.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from the chair of the AMA Board of Trustees, J. James Rohack, MD.

It's been said that before a diamond can show its brilliance, it must be transformed by cutting and smoothing. In other words, challenges and adversity bring out the best in a good gemstone, person or even organization.

This year, as the American Academy of Pediatrics celebrates its diamond anniversary, it demonstrates the truth of this saying. Since its founding 75 years ago, AAP has overcome many challenges facing children's health and has proven itself to be a valuable player on the stage of American medicine -- and partner of the AMA.

At the time AAP was founded, in 1930, the idea that children have special developmental and health needs was a new -- and even controversial -- concept. Preventive health practices now associated with good child care, such as immunizations and well-child health exams, were just beginning to change the custom of treating children as miniature adults. The AAP had much work to do to make the specialty and its importance understood by medicine and the public.

Yet the AAP moved its agenda forward -- and changed the nation in the process. By the nature of their training and practice, pediatricians focus on the medical care of future generations of humans. Healthy children become healthy and productive adults, which enables a civilization or country to succeed. By protecting our children and their health, the AAP contributed greatly to America's success in the past 100 years -- and will do the same in the 21st century.

What few people know is that the AMA also played a role in the development of pediatrics. In 1880, the AMA became the first national medical organization to recognize pediatrics as a specialty. That year, Dr. Abraham Jacobi organized the Section on Diseases of Children within the AMA House of Delegates.