Paramedical personnel in pediatric practice

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Utilization of paramedical personnel other than office nurses and laboratory technicians, such as public health nurses and social workers, in the private practice of pediatrics has been recommended on a number of occasions. The reasoning is based on two possibilities: (1) that the pediatrician's time can be made available to a greater number of patients for services which he is particularly trained to provide, and (2) that certain services required for pediatric patients can be more effectively rendered by paramedical personnel. Dr. Townsend's contribution lies in the demonstration that such services can be utilized effectively in private practice. This article was completed by him during his terminal illness and received in our office during the week of his death in September, 1965. Townsend, in a relatively brief period of pediatric practice, has also demonstrated in other ways that the private physician can function effectively in clinical research. Utilization of paramedical personnel other than office nurses and laboratory technicians, such as public health nurses and social workers, in the private practice of pediatrics has been recommended on a number of occasions. The reasoning is based on two possibilities: (1) that the pediatrician's time can be made available to a greater number of patients for services which he is particularly trained to provide, and (2) that certain services required for pediatric patients can be more effectively rendered by paramedical personnel. Dr. Townsend's contribution lies in the demonstration that such services can be utilized effectively in private practice. This article was completed by him during his terminal illness and received in our office during the week of his death in September, 1965. Townsend, in a relatively brief period of pediatric practice, has also demonstrated in other ways that the private physician can function effectively in clinical research.