Early 1900’s (Europe):

The first European textbook on pediatric and adolescent gynaecology was published in 1939 by Hungarian paediatrician Dr. L. Dobszay.

Prague, Sept. 12, 1940 – the first outpatient clinic for pediatric gynecology was started by Professor Rudolf Peter 

The first specialized PAG inpatient service in Europe was established in 1940 at the University Hospital of Prague, Czechoslovakia by Professor Rudolf Peter

Prague - 1962 - First faculty position dedicated to PAG at Charles University in Prague  filled by Professor Rudolf Peter. 

The Federation Internationale de Gynecologie Infantile et Juvenile (FIGIJ) was originally founded in Lausanne, Switzerland on February 5,1971 and has representation from more than 70 countries

An international exam for pediatric and adolescent gynecology was established by the International Federation of Infantile and Adolescent Gynecology (FIGIJ) in 1997. The main   objective was to recognize those professionals working in this specialty that do not receive formal recognition by Academic Institutions.

The European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (EURAPAG) was founded on April 15th 2008, and registered in Prague, Czech Republic, to strengthen PAG in Europe.

Mid-1900’s (United States):

The nineteenth century was a time for social reform in the United States. This included reforms for children. This movement contributed to the growing interest in PAG.

Several doctors, including Elsie Carrington, Stewart Taylor, Warren Lang, and S. Leon Israel began addressing gynecologic disorders in children.

1950s: Gynecologist Dr. Somers Sturgis led research studies on dysmenorrhea at Boston Children’s Hospital

1960s/early 1970s - 2-3 adolescents with GYN problems were booked for consultation with Dr. Clem Yahia between 1-2 pm every Monday in the Adolescent Unit at Boston Children’s Hospital

Early 70s - with the court decision of Roe V. Wade- there was an increased recognition of the need for services for pregnant teens

Professor Robert Zachary and Dr. Howard Jones contributed to the development of the surgical side of PAG. 

In the 70s Dr Albert Altchelk in New York & Dr Vincent Capraro in Buffalo were practicing pediatric gynecology as individual gynecologists. 

1973: Judah Folkman MD, Surgeon in Chief established the first Division of Gynecology in a children’s hospital at Boston Children’s Hospital under the direction of Donald Peter Goldstein MD (Gyn) whom he recruited.  The division provided medical and surgical expertise that could address the full spectrum of pediatric and adolescent gyn problems: reproductive endocrine disorders, contraception, teen pregnancy, congenital anomalies, DES exposure, and surgical procedures. He also recruited Dr. Jean Emans (Adolescent Medicine) to head this up. 

Up next:

• Society for Adolescent Medicine founded in 1968
• NASPAG Founding - 1986
• Presidents, Board, and Executive Directors
• Physicians involved in the early development of NASPAG
• Annual Clinical Meeting / Annual Clinical Research Meeting
• Fellowships & Certification
• Committees
• PAG Textbooks, Resources, & References
• Return to NASPAG History