Reflections on Pediatrics in Academic Health Centers

Over the past 4½ decades, I have served at various Academic Health Centers (AHCs) as a faculty member, Pediatric Chair, Dean and Vice President, and Trustee. I have also served as a Foundation Executive and, most recently, as the Director of a nonprofit health care consulting group. This has provided me with the opportunity over the years to visit and observe several dozen pediatric departments in a variety of AHCs and, often as a consultant, gain insights into ongoing institutional problems. Based on this experience, the following commentary reflects on some contemporary issues facing many institutions and pediatric departments.

AHC, Academic Health Center