The pediatrician is in a unique and powerful position, both in his own office and in his community. By taking an active role in designing, executing, and evaluating screening programs, he can help insure that resources are used economically and usefully, and that a broadened view of screening and health results in positive programs. He should insist that vital components of any screening program include intervention and dissemination of information to those who need it. To do less is to abdicate a responsibility which cannot be delegated to others, even though many screening programs are initiated and conducted by nonphysicians.
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