PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
THE GROWTH and development of the American Academy of Pediatrics are matters of record set forth in able fashion by Marshall Pease in his History of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Paul Beaven's For the Welfare of Children, a compilation of the Presidential Addresses beginning with Dr. Isaac Abt's presentation at the first annual meeting of this organization. These two volumes recite the accomplishments of the Academy during its first 25 years. The small group of 32 men present at the organizational meeting in 1930 has increased to more than 5,000 members distributed throughout the western hemisphere. The founders conceived the Academy as a service group dedicated to the improvement of child health and welfare. Able leaders through the years have strengthened its position and influence by their untiring efforts to attain these objectives and have been aided at all times by the co-operation of the members. The influence of the Academy in matters relating to child health and welfare is demonstrated by the respect with which its pronouncements are received by medical organizations, governmental agencies and lay groups. Its counsel is sought whenever matters relating to child health and welfare are considered. We have a great responsibility to maintain our position in the field of child health and welfare and to extend the influence of the Academy. We must continue to be an organization of high ideals and noble purposes, for our growth demonstrates our objectives are worthwhile. The success which the Academy has achieved in fostering interest in pediatrics and correlating all aspects of the work for the welfare of children has been accomplished by providing leadership, our willingness to co-operate with interested groups, and through education.