"Coming through the fog, coming over the moors": the impact on pediatric oncologists of caring for seriously ill children.
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.
Fanos
Joanna H
JH
The Hood Center for Children & Families, Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA. Joanna.Fonos@Dartmouth.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002321:Career Choice; D002648:Child; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*