Interview with Basil J. Zitelli, MD, Andrew Nowalk, MD, PhD, Sara C McIntire, MD, FAAP, and Jessica Garrison, MD
Why did you feel that it was important to write Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis, 8th Edition? What does it add to the field?
Zitelli: The birth of the Atlas occurred as “twinkle in my eye” in 1981 but after I asked Dr. Holly Davis, who was head of our Emergency Department, to join me in 1982 it began taking shape. Other atlases generally had only photographs with legends. Dr. Davis and I decided that more descriptive text would significantly add to the educational value of the Atlas. After 5 years of recruiting contributors, gathering images, writing and panning, the first edition (the “Pink” edition) was published. We have been humbled by the use of the Atlas by so many health care workers and their positive comments and suggestions that has encouraged us to continue with the eighth edition.
Nowalk: In a time of Google image searches and online content, the curated information and images of the Atlas are still vibrant and relevant. The Atlas acts as a central point to review pediatric presentations with a distinct focus on the visual diagnosis of pediatric disease. It continues to add that specific focus which is critical for trainees and practicing pediatricians and family medicine doctors alike.
What is the most exciting aspect of Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis, 8th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?
Zitelli: Every edition is a new and exciting rebirth with review of every chapter, addition and updating of information, images, video clips and presenting it on different platforms so more users have access to it. The Ophthalmology chapter is virtually completely redone with new emphasis on genetic disorders affecting the eye. Infectious disease has been updated to include Sars-Covid 2 infections. These are only 2 examples of the complete review of the Atlas.
Nowalk: Every edition is revised and updated to add new chapters and update information from leaders in the field. This year we have revisions which cover COVID in the Infectious Disease chapter, as well as updates on Pediatric Surgery in that chapter with new images from the OR and radiology.
Who will find the greatest value from this book and why?
Zitelli: The Atlas has been used by practitioners, students, physician assistants, nurses – virtually any pediatric health care worker. Common comments include crediting the Atlas with helping people pass their boards. (While that is complimentary, I note that the person is the one who actually passed the Boards). Its greatest value is the tremendous wealth of textual information as well as the abundance of high quality visual diagnostic aids. It is readily available, whether pulled down from the shelf to show a family a picture to clarify discussion or pulling it up online during rounds to emphasize a teaching point.
Nowalk: As above — trainees and practicing pediatricians and family medicine doctors alike will benefit from the focus on visual diagnosis in the Atlas. While many online sources present an encyclopedia of information, the Atlas builds the differential with images and text which help to build knowledge and distinguish diagnosis.
What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis, 8th Edition?
Zitelli: New ideas will come from accurate information that can be assimilated with innovation. We purposely have shied away from including therapy and most procedures because they may change rapidly and may differ in different geographic regions. We hope the Atlas will enhance visual diagnostic ability, allowing other resources to address therapy.
Nowalk: I don’t hope for new ideas or practices, but an increased familiarity with the crucial role of visual diagnosis in the approach to the pediatric patient.
What problem do you hope the future generation of pediatrics will be able to solve?
Zitelli: My greatest hope is that future generations will increase their physical diagnostic skills with less reliance on often unnecessary, expensive technology.
Nowalk: I hope we can continue to develop our basic science understanding of how children with genetic syndromes acquire their distinctive features.
Is there anything else about the book you’d like to say?
Zitelli: It has been a great personal honor to work with so many talented and knowledgeable contributors and especially with Dr. Davis and Drs. McIntire, Nowalk and Garrison. I am truly touched grateful for all the kind words from the many users of the Atlas.
Nowalk: I think the Atlas is as rich and relevant today as it was when I bought my first copy as a pediatric resident in 1999!
McIntyre: In 1988, I used the Atlas to study for my first general pediatrics certifying exam. It remains one of my most useful references.
Garrison: I keep a copy of the Atlas beside my desk as it remains one of my “go to” references.
About the Authors
Basil J. Zitelli, MD Member of the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Division of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP) and former division chief. I am currently retired after 40 years. I am a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh undergraduate and medical schools and did my pediatric training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and after spending 2 years in the Navy returned to Hopkins for 2 years and joined the CHP faculty where I have remained until my retirement.
Andrew Nowalk, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I am a native of southwestern Pennsylvania and have worked at Children’s for more than 20 years. As I resident, I remember using the Zitelli Atlas to look up cases, study for Boards, and generally learn pediatrics. It is still surreal to me that I help to edit it.
Sara C McIntire, MD, FAAP I am a Professor of Pediatrics at The Children’s of Pittsburgh. Dr. Zitelli recruited me in 1990 and it is a great honor to have been mentored by him. Like Dr. Nowalk, it was a “pinch me” moment when Dr. Zitelli asked us to assist him in editing the Atlas. Dr. Davis was a powerful mentor as well and her memory is a blessing.
Jessica Garrison, MD I am an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellowship. It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with three of my amazing mentors and teachers, Drs. Zitelli, McIntire, and Nowalk to help edit the Atlas.
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