The Rebirth of Pediatrics

Any close examination of the epidemiologic trends in childhood suggests 2 fundamental findings. First, pediatrics has been among the most successful specialties in the history of medicine. Second, pediatrics must change. At the heart of this seeming paradox is the recognition that pediatrics has so altered the clinical threats to the well-being ofthe past 50 years that new structures of care will be required. The pride in pediatrics' remarkable record of impact and at the same time defend the status quo. modern children over epidemiology presents a ruthless logic: one cannot take

The challenge to the pediatrics community is to ensure that the changes that will inevitably come are exquisitely focused on meeting the needs of children. We must craft strategies that can protect what remains essential in pediatric practice and yet embrace a historic opportunity to craft requisite reforms. It is in this context that the recent initiatives by the American Board of Pediatrics [Editor's note: also see related supplement titled "Residency Review and Redesign in Pediatrics: New (and Old) Questions" with this issue of Pediatrics.] and the American Academy of Pediatrics to consider new training and practice needs should be welcomed. However, the nature and scale of the challenge will require a new level of direct engagement from pediatricians and a renewed progressive commitment to speak with a stronger and more coherent collective voice.