President's Address

[摘要] THIS 19th annual meeting of the Academy marks the end of an eventful year. I reach the end of my stewardship with the hope that many important decisions of the past year will prove to be for the best interest of the Academy.It is the privilege of this moment to philosophize and to express one's own opinions. Many of my predecessors have spoken of organizational aspects of the Academy. I should prefer first to speak a few words about the many individuals who comprise its membership. I like to think of the Academy as an association of those with kindred interests and with many bonds of keen personal friendship. I am happy that my lot has been cast with pediatricians and I am sure I share with all of you great enjoyment of the fellowship which has proceeded from our confraternity of interest.The Academy exists only to express our mutual interest in childhood and to translate this interest into everything which can benefit the condition of childhood. We were early reminded by Dr. John Lovett Morse that we must strive to function not for ourselves alone and our history will well attest that the welfare of children and not the aggrandizement of our members has been the principle objective of this organization.One who enters any profession does so with the expectation of contributing more to society than he will receive in return in terms of visible reward. The pediatrician may not wish to sentimentalize his concept of his profession but must recognize that the financial returns from his efforts cannot be compared with those provided by many occupations with an eight hour day and a five day week.

[学科分类] 儿科学