In 1972, the American Academy of Pediatrics expanded the purview of pediatrics to include young people through their 21st birthday.1 This decision — in conjunction with the creation of the Committee on Adolescence in 1976 (formerly the Committee on Youth, 1966-76) and the Section on Adolescent Health in 1979; the Report of the Task Force on Pediatric Education in 1978; the inclusion of adolescent health concerns in the Academy's national health goals in 1980; and the Academy's decision to promote pediatrics as a specialty with a focus on youth in 1982 — has led to a recognition of the importance of adolescent health in the practice of pediatrics. In spite of these efforts, there continues to be insufficient training in pediatric residency programs, and often the pediatrician may find him/herself not adequately trained to care for the adolescent's health problems.
