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What Is the Origin of Pediatricians?

Pediatrics has existed for about 200 years, making it a fairly new specialty. Pediatricians specialize in the medical care of babies, children and young adults.

  1. Time Frame

    • Though diseases in children were mentioned in old medical texts, it wasn't until the 1800s that pediatrics became an official specialty.

    History

    • Dr. Abraham Jacobi is considered to be the father of pediatrics. Dr. Jacobi emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1853 and established a pediatrics department at the New York Medical College, as well as created journals dedicated to the specialty.

    Warning

    • Dr. Jacobi specialized in the hygiene and nutrition of children and was the first to warn about the dangers of washing out an infant's mouth.

    Fun Fact

    • The first hospital dedicated solely to pediatrics was opened in Philadelphia in 1855. The American Academy of Pediatrics came into existence in 1930.

    Famous Ties

    • Other early, famous pediatricians include Luther Emmett Holt from New York, William McKim Marriott from St. Louis, and J. Forsyth Meigs from Philadelphia.

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