Preface

As health care professionals, we are blessed through daily personal human interactions. Children are particularly important in this respect because they constitute our only link with the future of mankind. Additionally, their courage, sense of humor, and appreciation of love more than make up for our devotion to their welfare-these rewards exceed any possible financial compensation.

As a pediatrician, teacher, and health care provider for half a century, I have many memories from my professional life dedicated to the well-being of children and their families. Almost 3 years ago I was recounting some of these stories, as well as other anecdotes, that I had heard over the years to my daughter, Parinaz. She enjoyed these very much and suggested contacting other colleagues to collect their memories for the publication of a book.

I discussed these ideas with my distinguished friend and colleague, Robert J. Haggerty, MD. He approved of the idea, and because of his intimate relationship with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as a past president, he made arrangements for the publication of what we had already gathered. Their decision fulfilled our wishes to use this book as a vehicle to promote an understanding of the unique pleasure of taking care of children by an organization that has been successfully involved on behalf of children for 75 years.

We hope this book will motivate other contributions from many more caretakers of children for future publications.

Parinaz's efforts have constituted the backbone of our success, but the generous input of numerous contributors has resulted in the realization of our dream. The support of Dr Haggerty and numerous individuals at the AAP, including Jeff Mahony, Mark Grimes, and Maureen DeRosa, deserve our highest gratitude. We know that they will be rewarded by the appreciation of those who have a chance to read these memorable stories.

Mohsen Ziai, MD, Honorary FAAP
Editor

Book Excerpt

Table of Contents