In February of 1997, Children’s National Medical Center established Children’s Pediatric Associates to house its affiliated community physicians’ initiative. Over a period between February 1998 and July 1999, Children’s Pediatric Associates acquired the following practices: Drs. Smith and Guarinello, P.C.; Drs. Shapiro and Perez, P.A.; Drs. Berkowitz, Feldman, and Burgin, P.A.; Drs. Crawford and Hudson, P.C.; Drs. Feroli, Mella, Pedreira, and Wollschlaeger, P.A.