Emergence of pediatric hematology/oncology as an independent specialty.

The slow emergence of pediatric hematology as a recognized specialty was due to the fact that blood diseases were of relatively little concern to early pediatricians. Infectious and nutritional disorders were far more urgent problems. However, in the early 1940s it became apparent to some that pediatric hematology was acquiring a well-defined body of knowledge which would qualify it as being a discrete discipline of medical science. But in order to win independent status in the academic and political arenas, acquisition of other credentials and additional achievements were needed. These academic-political needs included the organization of training programs, establishment of a certifying examination, publication of a specialty journal, and the founding of a professional society. These achievements were accomplished by the foresight, cooperation, and hard work of many people. Yet there are many unsatisfied needs that remain.