[The beginnings of pediatrics education in Chile and the foundation of children's hospitals].

The objective of this manuscript is to review the historical background before the creation of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics (SOCHIPE) in 1922 and reflect on its impact on the professionalization of national pediatrics, especially on children's health and survival. For this purpose, we review documents from the Charity Board, books, and specialized studies. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the country had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and precarious facilities to deal with it.