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I have been observing the pediatric scene for the past 24 years. This does not qualify me to be considered an elder statesman, nor does it give me the wisdom to be considered a sage. However, as an interested observer I would like to share with you some random personal thoughts concerning pediatricians and the practice of pediatrics today.
Pediatrics has changed drastically during the past quarter of a century. Many of these changes have been worthwhile, but I still have difficulty adjusting to:
Patients being called "clients";
Administrators telling me I have to learn how to "market my product" (it will be even sadder when the marketing becomes more important than the product);
Calling everybody in the medical community, including parents, patients, and physicians, by their first names;
The increasing number of individuals who are becoming "junior" pediatricians.