George Bernard Shaw, The Doctors Dilemma1

The journal Pediatric Research is introducing a new section, Insights, that includes pieces on the humanities, tributes to those that have gone before us and comments by parents and children whose families have been affected by our research. It aims to encourage reflection on the whole field of those creative activities that enhance professional and public discussion on child health. The journal plans to publish articles on events that have profoundly impacted our field: history of medicine, literature, philosophy, ethics, religion, psychology, health geography, theatre, film, visual arts, and anthropology. It will feature articles on various aspects of the interplay of research and (a) the delivery of healthcare; (b) the humanities and arts, (c) social scientists and policy-makers; (d) medical educators, and (e) patients and their families. We anticipate that the humanities will introduce further concepts and perspectives regarding child health and illness that are not covered by the sciences. We are interested in the contribution of art, music, drama, film, multimedia, and other areas in the Arts to child health in research and clinical practice. Examples are the recent historical reviews by Professor Obladen2 highlighting the history of the term birth asphyxia and highlights the repeated lessons of the past, and Dr. Scott Krugman reliving the greatest pediatric meeting ever.3 Ensuring that we do not lose empathy and humanity and constantly strive to improve communication and understanding with the public and all patients and children is a crucial goal. At the core of all paediatric research endeavors is the child and family. We, therefore, are privileged to be able to include Family Reflections on their experience (Hirschsprung’s Disease4 and Post-partum depression5). The inspiration of the lives of eminent researchers and clinicians in child health are valuable to contrast with the Early Career Investigators (ECIs) and honor those at the other end of the career spectrum (see the article on Dr. Guilio D’Angio6). Many medical discoveries have been highlighted in the past and this history is of relevance to current healthcare professionals.

We hope you enjoy these new additions to the journal.