Panel Discussion

Abstract

Chairman Lee Forrest Hill, M.D., Des Moines, Iowa: I should like to introduce our panel speakers. Dr. George M. Wheatley is 3rd Vice President, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and Chairman of the Academy's Committee on Rheumatic Fever, New York City. Next is Dr. T. N. Harris of Philadelphia. Dr. Harris is Assistant Research Professor of Pediatrics of the School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He is chief of the Rheumatic Fever Clinic at the Philadelphia General Hospital. He is Assistant Consultant to the Outpatient Department of the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Hubbard is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Robert L. Jackson is Associate Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, State University of Iowa. Magnitude of the Problem Dr. Wheatley.—Because of the general acceptance of rheumatic fever as a major pediatric and public health problem, we find in an increasing number of localities both the medical profession and the public ready to support organized community efforts to find cases, to provide adequate treatment, and, in fact, willing to undertake most any logical measures which promise some control over this important cause of heart disease. For intelligent planning and evaluation at the community level or on a larger scale, facts showing the magnitude and relative importance of rheumatic fever are essential. Perhaps at this point you wonder what expressions such as "community level" and "planning and evaluation" have to do with the practicing pediatrician. As a clinician your primary concern is with the individual child. When you are at the bedside puzzled by a syndrome suggestive of rheumatic fever, it is of little help to know facts and figures on the incidence, prevalence and severity of this disease. The reason is that as a pediatrician you have a dual responsibility.