The Letter to the Editor by Dr. R. A. Norton in the March issue of Pediatrics must express the sentiments of many pediatricians in private practice.
The American Academy of Pediatrics was started by and for the practicing pediatricians. Prior to its organization, the only society was the American Pediatric Society, which for many years limited its membership to 100. The purpose of the Academy was to give all qualified, practicing pediatricians an organization in which they would have an opportunity to exchange ideas.