& Q A SESSION

Q2: How do you approach communication with children and their families, especially when delivering difficult news or discussing sensitive topics?

Dr Renner: As a paediatrician, communication is the hallmark of Dr. Renner’s medical practice. He emphasises the importance of having the necessary skills, such as sensitivity and empathy, to communicate effectively with both the child and their parents. Dr. Renner ensures that his patients are comfortable and free from distraction when discussing sensitive topics, and he always avoids using technical jargon. Dr. Renner also encourages parents to seek support from groups and counselling services, especially when it comes to chronic diseases like asthma and sickle cell anaemia.

Q3. What are some of the most common health concerns you see in young children, and what steps can parents take to help prevent these issues?

Ans: Dr. Renner sees many common health concerns among young children, including viral respiratory infections, tummy infections, and jaundice in newborns. However, in Nigeria, there are high cases of sickle cell anaemia children and asthma. To help prevent these issues, Dr. Renner encourages parents to follow the child survival strategy, which includes exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, growth monitoring, and injury prevention. Dr. Renner emphasises that learning about these strategies is essential in helping parents keep their children healthy and happy.

Dr. Renner acknowledges that learning is an everyday process, and he is always eager to incorporate the latest research into his practice. He also streams conferences online to keep up with his busy schedule.

Q5: How do you work with other healthcare providers, such as nurses, therapists, and specialists, to provide comprehensive care for your patients?

Q4: How do you stay up to date with the latest research and developments in paediatric medicine, and how do you incorporate this information into your practice?

To stay up to date with the latest developments in paediatric medicine, Dr. Renner focuses on hands-on knowledge and support from his colleagues. He also regularly reads journal articles and attends professional meetings and conferences.

Ans: Dr. Renner understands that healthcare is a multidisciplinary profession and emphasises the importance of collaboration in providing comprehensive care for his patients. He works closely with other healthcare providers, such as nurses, therapists, and specialists, to provide the best care possible for his patients. Dr. Renner acknowledges that it takes an army to take care and treat a patient, and he values the input and contributions of all healthcare providers.

Q6: What advice do you have for parents who may be nervous or anxious about bringing their child to the doctor, and how do you help put them at ease? background, language barriers, and socioeconomic status?

Ans: Dr. Renner advises parents to address the root of their anxiety before coming to the hospital. Some parents may have had negative experiences in the past, but every situation is different, and delaying medical attention can be detrimental to the child’s health. To alleviate some of their concerns, Dr. Renner suggests that parents do their research beforehand, such as learning about the drugs their child may receive. Dr. Renner acknowledges the importance of prayer and religious beliefs, but also emphasises the need to combine these beliefs with medical treatment, as doctors and nurses are there to help.

A: Dr. Renner emphasises the importance of respecting patient autonomy, particularly in cases where religious beliefs may influence medical decisions. However, if a child is a minor, the court may intervene in certain cases. To understand each patient’s cultural background and beliefs, Dr. Renner listens carefully to patients and their families, and provides counselling when necessary.

Q7: How do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of each individual child and family, taking into account factors such as cultural

Q8: Can you describe a particularly challenging case you’ve worked on, and how you were able to help the child and family navigate the situation?

A: One of the most challenging cases Dr. Renner has encountered is a child with sickle cell anaemia who suffered a stroke. Blood transfusions were necessary, but in Nigeria, where Dr. Renner practices, blood donation is relatively low. To ensure his patient received the care needed, Dr. Renner went to great lengths to acquire the necessary blood, including picking it up himself. This is just one example of how Dr. Renner goes above and beyond to provide the best possible care for his patients.

Q9: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job as a paediatrician, and what motivates you to continue practising medicine in this field?

A: According to Dr. Renner, genetics and climate change are two of the most important trends that will impact the future of paediatric medicine. With advances in gene manipulation, paediatricians and geneticists will work together to address genetic diseases. Climate change may also lead to the emergence of new diseases and the need for new treatment approaches.

Q11: Do you think robots will take over your field?

A: For Dr. Renner, the most rewarding aspect of his job is seeing children recover and return to their normal, healthy selves. Despite the challenges, he continues to be motivated by his desire to help children and their families, and hopes to one day join a teaching hospital to share his expertise with future generations of paediatricians.

A: Dr. Renner does not believe robots will replace human paediatricians anytime soon. He notes that empathy cannot be programmed, and that human connection is crucial in paediatric care.

Q10: What do you see as some of the most important trends and changes in paediatric medicine today, and how do you see these impacting the future of the field?

In summary, Dr. Renner’s insights highlight the need for cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a patient-centred approach in paediatric care. As advances in medicine continue to shape the field, it is clear that the human touch will remain a critical component of effective paediatric care.