ACCEPTANCE OF PRESIDENCY

Dr. Towsley, Fellow Members of the Academy and Guests: I should like to express my deep appreciation to all of you for the high honor you have conferred upon me in selecting me as your new President. I assure you that in the year to come I shall do my best to justify your confidence and to serve the Academy to the best of my ability. As Dr. Towsley indicated in his very scholarly analysis of current and future problems associated with the delivery of high quality pediatric care to the vast numbers of children in our present and future populations, this is an exciting era for pediatrics and pediatricians. There are enormous problems to be solved, but it is well to realize that the Academy has enormous strength—strength through its strong organizational pattern at the national and state levels—strength through its numerous committees of experts—and the strength that is associated with solidarity of purpose. With all these advantages, and with the full support of all of you, I face the future confident that we shall find solutions to our problems, and that the American Academy of Pediatrics will continue to play a leading role in affording proper pediatric services for the nation's children. In conclusion, and in the name of the entire membership of the Academy, I should like to express our great affection for you, Harry, and our deep appreciation of your devotion to the work of the Academy, not only during your term as President but also through the many years before. We will be needing your help and guidance in the future, and you should look forward to only a brief rest—after which you will again be in action for the Academy.