February 10, 1966
Dear Dr.  Apgar:
A raging controversy has plagued the Department of Nursing and the Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics at our hospital here in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Being one of your former students, I am well acquainted with the importance of the Apgar Rating and it has been in use in our institution for the last five to six years. However, it has been the custom here that the Obstetrician make the Apgar Rating one minute after birth. As Chief of Pediatrics I have been arguing that this function should be taken over by the circulating nurse in the Delivery Room.
In order to help settle our problem, I would sincerely appreciate your recommendations as to who should do the Apgar Rating, as well as the exact timing.
Thank you very much for your courtesy.
Sincerely yours,
Herbert E. Poch, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Pediatrician-in-Chief