The American Academy of Pediatrics says it is putting all its guidance under the microscope to eliminate “race-based” medicine and resulting health disparities.

The influential group's pledge comes in a new policy statement released Monday.

"Racism has infiltrated and impacted health care delivery and outcomes in this country for more than 400 years," a statement from the academy says.

The policy's lead author says doctors are concerned that Black youngsters have been undertreated and overlooked by flawed practices.

The academy says it has begun a purge of outdated advice. It also encourages pediatricians and institutions to evaluate how race-based care in their practices.

Other major doctor groups including the American Medical Association have also pledged to re-examine their own policies.