Historical Analysis in Pediatric Psychology: From Gaining Access to Leading

OBJECTIVE: To provide a historical analysis of professional growth and the legacy of early challenges to the development of the field of pediatric psychology: METHOD: More than 40 years of professional experience and consideration of published work provided the basis for this article. RESULTS: Challenges to the future of pediatric psychology that date back to the origins of the field include foundational challenges involving medical authority and administrative control as well as models of medical practice in pediatric hospital settings. These influences limited opportunities for program leadership and independent funding of clinical services, constrained interorganizational organization, and led to an underemphasis of prevention and primary care in clinical practice, research, and training. CONCLUSION: Transformative future growth in pediatric psychology will necessitate innovative strategies that address continuing professional challenges with roots in the field's early history.