ABSTRACT

In our country, before the advent of modern medicine in March 14, 1827 obstetricians and gynecologists and later specialists of Internal Diseases, who attended the traditional schools of medicine (Medrese) had taken care of children. It continued to be thus during the era of The School of Sciences (Dar-ul-Fünun). Only after the University Reform in 1933, the pediatricians took over the field. After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, to become a pediatrician took two years at first, in 1947 it took 3 years, and in 1955 4 years. While a period of 5 years was necessary to become a pediatrician in 2002, it was again brought down to 4 years. However, in 1973, after specializing in pediatrics, some subspecializations had begun to flourish. In 1983, 2002, and 2011 additional subspecializations were registered. Pediatricians burdened with standard knowledge were not able to follow the new advances in the following 5-10 years, due to lack of time, material and moral support from the government or sponsors. To attain the latest advances in contemporary medicine is very important and thus the requisite should be fulfilled. In the paper, the author suggests possibilities to shorten the time spent for basic education before university and the years necessary for specializing or subspecializing, and recommends that such steps be taken in Pediatrics education and specialities.