The American Board of Pediatrics: Its Origin and Early History

Abstract

The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) marked its 60th anniversary in 1993. Because all of the original board members have long since passed from the scene, no one can comment on the Board's origin from firsthand experience, as Chick Koop did so well in his essay on the origins of pediatric surgery. During the first decade of my association with the ABP, however, I heard stories and bits of history from original board members and other early "movers" who were still active in the organization. Written materials were available to me, also, thanks to Borden Veeder, Bob Lawson, Ed Shaw, the ABP history committee chaired by Larry Finberg, and others who wrote about the Board.