Pediatric Fellowships in Child Abuse and Neglect: The Development of a New Subspecialty

Abstract

Medical care for children and adolescents where abuse or neglect is suspected has become complex and technical. Many general pediatricians and family practitioners are hesitant to care for these children because of the expertise and time required for court hearings. A new group of physicians has developed, who are specialists in child abuse and neglect. If specialized services is to become generally available, fellowship training programs in child abuse and neglect will have to be institutionalized and funded. A new cadre of child abuse physician specialists will serve the needs for future teaching and research in medical schools.