It is well known fact that pediatric specialists are in high demand but short supply in the United States and around the world. Sixteen U.S. states have fewer than one pediatric subspecialist under age 65 per 100,000 residents, according to the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.

As a result, many children and their families are forced to travel long distances to get adequate care. In some regions, patients may wait as long as three to six months for an appointment.

Today on the Huffington Post ImpactX, Cisco Senior Director of Cisco Corporate Affairs Yu Yi explains how this shortage of healthcare professionals can lead to significant complications in adulthood.

"The current system can also lead to inconsistent knowledge and information exchange between patients, primary care pediatricians, and pediatric specialists," Yu Yi wrote. "Consequently, children with complex care requirements receive less effective care and experience poor outcomes."

Please read Yu Yi's full blog on the Huffington Post.