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“Coming through the fog, coming over the moors”: The impact on pediatric oncologists of caring for seriously ill children

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Abstract

Background. Pediatric palliative care has made substantial strides in the past decade; less attention has focused on providing emotional support to the pediatric oncologist.Methods. I interviewed a total of 30 pediatric oncologists throughout the United States using a semistructured interview guide; anxiety and depression scales were administered. Major themes were identified.Results. Most (57%) had experienced serious illnesses during their own childhood or adolescence; 77% had experienced significant medical events in their parents or siblings prior to adulthood.Conclusions. Pediatric oncologists need help mastering their own healing so they can be helpful to patients and families.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Hood Center for Children & Families Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Medical School, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, 03756, Lebanon, NH

    Joanna H. Fanos PHD

  2. Sibling Center, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco

    Joanna H. Fanos PHD

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  1. Joanna H. Fanos PHD
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Correspondence to Joanna H. Fanos PHD.

Additional information

Supported in part by an American Cancer Society, California Division Fellowship #PD-1-91 sponsored by Bertram Lubin, MD, Children’s Hospital Oakland and Research Institute (CHORI); funds for transcription were provided by CHORI and the San Jose State University Foundation.

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Fanos, J.H. “Coming through the fog, coming over the moors”: The impact on pediatric oncologists of caring for seriously ill children. J Canc Educ 22, 119–123 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174360

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