It is only fitting that Dr Jacobi is honored by the presentation of an annual award by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. In 1860, Dr Jacobi became the first teacher at the New York Medical College to give systematic instruction on diseases of children. He was later appointed Clinical Professor of Diseases of Children at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he was succeeded by L. Emmett Holt who himself became a forceful leader and teacher of pediatrics. It is said that the entire history of American Pediatrics during the second half of the 19th century was reflected in Jacobi and his writings. Through his efforts the Section on Pediatrics of the American Medical Association was established in 1880. He was elected the first president of the American Pediatric Society in 1888 and also served as president of the New York Academy of Medicine. Samuel S. Adams said of him, "Jacobi pressed the button which set pediatrics in motion." From that beginning, pediatrics has grown into a highly regarded branch of medicine, whose future is bright. It is that future that I want to talk about today.
But before I do, I would like to acknowledge two individuals who are no longer with us, but who influenced me most in my professional life. The first is Dr Harold Palmer, former Medical Director of Denver Children's Hospital, an extremely competent pediatric pathologist who taught me the science of medicine. The second is Dr Henry Kempe, a colleague and close friend, whose keen intellect and understanding of the needs of children was an inspiration to all who knew him.