The role of a generalist in academic medicine has been diminished because of the proliferation of specialized research and treatment in the hands of the subspecialist. Yet many observers believe that this has resulted in gaps in research and teaching concerning common health problems, especially those seen in office practice. To correct this trend, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has supported for 10 years a fellowship program to prepare academic pediatric generalists. A total of 111 pediatricians have completed the fellowship. Two thirds are now in full-time academic positions. By late 1988, they had published 332 papers and had received more than $20 million in grant support. A majority of departments of pediatrics have relabeled their divisions of ambulatory pediatrics as divisions of general pediatrics and have broadened these divisions' responsibilities. In spite of some difficulty obtaining research support, the carers of these fellows and the changes in pediatric departments support the thesis that there is a need for and a rebirth of academic general pediatrics.

Education, Medical↗

PubMed1989

Youth and America's future: the forgotten half.

The William T. Grant Foundation's Commission on Youth and America's Future was created to review existing research on problems facing young people in America today, and to make policy recommendations based upon the results of that research. The Commission found that fewer economic opportunities are available today, especially to non-college-bound young people, than was the case even a decade ago. This situation has had an adverse effect on the youths themselves, their families, and ultimately, on American society as a whole. Many problem behaviors have their origin in the reduced opportunities which young people face today. The Commission cites a number of programs that show promise to ameliorate behavioral and economic problems of youth, and urges government, business, and other private agencies to join together in implementing and expanding existing programs (such as the Job Training Partnership Program) and in creating new ones (such as the Youth Opportunities Demonstration Act). Society needs to recognize the important role which youth can play as good citizens by providing opportunities for them to give needed services to the community.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989