The authors describe current investigation in three areas of pediatrics commonly faced by the office practitioner. Despite the fact that changes in medical practice and in patient demographics have resulted in the reemergence of severe hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin encephalopathy, clinical assessment and evaluation of discharge bilirubin levels may help predict those infants at greatest risk. Progress in the use of inhibitors of bilirubin production may eventually decrease the need for phototherapy. Although dog-associated injuries continue to affect children disproportionately, additional attention to anticipatory guidance may prove beneficial. The practice of routine immunization has reshaped our view of pediatric illness. The development of pneumococcal, meningococcal, and rotaviral vaccines will alter significantly the prevalence of common pediatric infectious disease. However, with the advent of additional vaccines, attention to pain control will take on increasing urgency.