A History of Pediatrics: Origins and Key Figures

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.