Subspecialization has evolved to the point where the 23 boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties offer 55 certificates of added or special qualifications. Presumably, this acknowledges the development of a significant body of knowledge to warrant special study. One might assume, then, that subspecialization is accepted and that there is no controversy surrounding the issue or debate about its appropriateness.
This is far from the case. There are many individuals and groups, the American Board of Surgery for one, who have gone on record as opposing further subspecialization, referring to it as "fragmentation." These objections notwithstanding, the march toward subspecialization continues.
This two-volume tome on pediatric otolaryngology encompasses the field and should dispel any doubts as to whether a sufficient body of knowledge exists in this case to warrant special study. Two volumes of 97 chapters in 1458 + pages by 119 authors most thoroughly cover the