Pediatric generalists in an academic setting

A generation ago, the general pediatric practitioners participating in patient care, education, and research in academic centers, usually were members of a part-time faculty based in private practice outside of the center. They were respected consultants and teachers who constituted attractive role models for students and trainees. They modeled the practice of pediatrics not only from a technical perspective, but also exemplified the humane role of pediatricians with their young patients and their families, as well as within the community. As technology became more complex and constituted a larger proportion of care provided in the hospital, community-based physicians found it increasingly difficult to keep up with technical progress and found themselves less effective and less respected in the academic world.