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.
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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