School health experience before and after completion of pediatric training.

A questionnaire regarding school health training and current school-based activities was completed by 116 of 141 young pediatricians practicing in four southwestern states. Responses indicated that few (22.4%) were exposed to school health during their residencies, although most (65.5%) are now providing some school health services. Those who had had school health training during residency are much more likely to be providing services than those who did not. Likewise, during their residencies, few received instruction in methods of health education, though many, led again by those who had appropriate residency experience, now participate in school health education programs. Residency programs should provide training in school health to improve the physician's comfort and efficiency in the roles he is presently asked to play, and to increase his involvement in this critically important area of pediatrics.