How long have pediatrics been around?

Pediatrics has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that it became a recognized medical specialty. Prior to this, children were typically treated by general practitioners or obstetricians.

In 1859, the first children's hospital was established in Paris, France. This was followed by the opening of similar hospitals in other major cities around the world. In the United States, the first children's hospital was established in Philadelphia in 1874.

The development of pediatrics as a medical specialty was also influenced by the rise of public health movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These movements focused on improving the health of infants and children, and they led to the development of new vaccines and public health measures that dramatically reduced the mortality rate of children.

Today, pediatrics is a well-established medical specialty that is dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of childhood illnesses, and they also play an important role in promoting child health and well-being.