Pediatric clinical faculty structure and teaching hospital function.

An organization of clinical faculty has been formed at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, to help coordinate the mutual goals but sometimes conflicting needs of practicing pediatricians and a teaching hospital. The organization has been active in developing and conducting educational experiences for students, house officers, and practitioners. It has contributed to efforts to improve ambulatory and inpatient care. Collaborative clinical research projects involving practitioners and academicians are planned. We know of no other existing similar organization. We propose that other institutions with similar needs consider this mechanism to help improve their academic and patient care programs.