"I read once that most newspapers are written at a 5th-grade level so most people can understand the message. I think that today we are inundated with verbal and written messages, so what we choose to say should be prime real estate. Because of that, I strive to speak in a way that the patient or family can understand without filler or fluff words. In any pediatrics setting, the education we provide can be to parents who are fearful, sad, and overcome with feelings they may have never had before. This education has to come with a great deal of compassion. My approach to the patient's family will always be to let them know the information as soon as possible and explain what is happening in ways that they understand. I think that education materials are very important for parents to understand a new diagnosis for their child. I would always allow them to ask questions and clear up any misconceptions they have."
