Qualified pediatricians will take the first child abuse board examination on November 16, 2009. This new medical specialty will have approximately 225 new board certified physicians in January 2010. For almost ten years there has been an effort by pediatricians to have child abuse and neglect recognized as a sub-specialty in pediatrics. This is because of all the studies, literature and textbooks available about child abuse with the increasing body of knowledge. New medical sub-specialties must undergo an approval process by the American Board of Medical Specialties.