Let's Speak Up for Pediatricians

Abstract

I am concerned about the self-image of pediatricians. I am concerned that those physicians whose professional careers surround the consummate health and welfare of our children consider themselves to be leveled among their professional colleagues with the same perspective as their patient populations, that is, second-rate, less important, and less distinguished in their capabilities and professional objectives than the classic "adult" physicians, the internists and surgeons. The obstetrician-gynecologist shares some of the same perceptual problems, a mind-set of subliminal second-class professional citizenship, consistent with the still attenuated role of women, their professional clientele. Oh, there are exceptions! There are pediatricians who take charge of their professional practice groups, hospital staffs, national societal organizations, teaching hospitals, and medical schools.