In this book addressing an oft-ignored subgroup (parents of children who experience medical trauma), Marsac and Hogan write from both personal and professional experience. Hogan, a nurse and mother of a child with Hunter syndrome (a rare genetic condition), and Marsac, a pediatric psychologist, are uniquely qualified to write this manual. Forty percent of children in the United States struggle with a chronic health problem, and these children are also at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems. Marsac and Hogan guide parents through researching their child’s condition; choosing what information to share with their child (and then helping them deal with the information); organizing and managing medical treatment; making medical decisions (often with too little or too much information); helping their child deal with medical procedures and new medications; and advocating for their child. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and practical actions to take. When parents find themselves dealing with medical trauma during their child’s growing-up years, this book will be a helpful tool to navigate challenging and frightening situations.

Library Journal

When we need support, we often look to people. But support can come from books too, and this is definitely such a book.

Eva Alisic, PhD, associate professor, child trauma and recovery, University of Melbourne, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Australia

Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma will be extremely useful for any parent facing a medical ‘journey’ with their child. The book speaks to the very real impact of illness, injury, and medical treatment for children, parents, and the whole family. The authors bring their real-life experience and professional expertise to provide practical, sensible guidance and tools for parents. Parents in this situation need to know they are not alone, and need brief, clear guidance that they can use immediately—this book provides this and more.

Nancy Kassam Adams, PhD, director, Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The concept of medical trauma is not yet widely discussed in pediatric medical settings. Even among health care providers, the concept, much less its prevention or management is not well understood, despite valiant efforts to help children be comfortable with their medical care. Naming medical trauma for what it is and raising awareness of how to prevent and manage it will profoundly benefit children and their families, as well as health care providers and institutions.

Pat Furlong, president/CEO, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Children facing medical interventions have new allies: All the future readers of this extraordinary book. By combining home truths, lived experience, and clinical training, Hogan and Marsac have written a helpful, compassionate, and important book that should change the way health care is provided to children.

Susannah Fox, former Chief Technology Officer for the US Department of Health and Human Services

Afraid of the Doctor addresses one of the most difficult topics any parent has to face, which is an ill child with critical health needs. Hogan and Marsac’s book is a readable roadmap and instruction manual for any parent trying to get medical care for their child while also caring for their child’s own emotional health. Some doctors can try to help parents, but often they do not or cannot. Some families can break under the extraordinary pressure, but some do get stronger, and having a plan can help parents survive not just intact, but enriched. This is a must read for parents with a child suffering a significant medical disease.

Emil D. Kakkis, MD, PhD, CEO, Ultragenyx, Rare Disease Expert