The doctor-patient relationship - Paediatrics Specialty Training Program

Paediatric patients range from newborns who are completely reliant on those around them, to toddlers full of energy and adolescents. The doctor patient relationship is only half the equation in paediatrics as most children come with parents who are understandably concerned for their child’s health. This makes for a potentially complex dynamic. Paediatricians are experts at engaging children at their level and gaining their trust. This is just as essential for small children as it is for adolescents. At the same time paediatricians must engage the parents and develop good rapport with them. Paediatricians often have the privilege of seeing their patients grow into adulthood, particularly those with chronic illness requiring frequent reviews. This is often very rewarding and a strong doctor-patient and doctor-parent relationship often develops. In the cases of adolescent children, or those who the doctor suspects are victims of neglect or abuse, the rights of parents are less clear and paediatricians are required to consider their patients first. Despite these difficulties most paediatricians describe the relationships they have with patients and their families as extremely rewarding.

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