Why Pediatric Otolaryngology?

Abstract

To the Editor .—Dr Steven D. Handler's commentary entitled Why Pediatric Otolaryngology? has merit, albeit a limited perspective. 1 As a graduate of the residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, I have the utmost respect and regard for Dr Handler personally and professionally. Since leaving the ivory tower to enter private practice, I have developed an appreciation that is contrary to Dr Handler's conclusions. In the community setting, pediatric otolaryngology is the bread and butter of general otolaryngology. It would be interesting to poll the grass roots membership of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery for the percentage of patients seen in the office who are of the pediatric age group. Dr Handler is in a unique institution that services only pediatric patients. The other voluntary hospitals in the university system refer all pediatric cases to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The suburban community hospitals and practices