AAP News Vol. 13 No. 8 August 1997, p. 20
© 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Before patients head to college, make time to talk

Robert A. Kaplan M.D., FAAP

With the changing demographics and economics of medical care, more pediatricians are caring for patients into their early 20s and beyond. This increase in the age of our patients means pediatricians are doing more pre-college and interval college exams. Among this patient population, there are many issues to discuss that previously were ignored or discussed with an internist or an ob/gyn at a later age.

Because the initial office visit is usually done alone with the patient, it is an opportune time to discuss all medical, psychological, social and societal issues that affect his/her generation, such as the increasing problems with alcohol, drugs, racism, unplanned sex, along with the trauma of being on one's own for the first time.