Brenda Banwell: Finding a Balance with Parents While Treating Younger Patients

Depending on the age of the children they are treating pediatricians have to find a good working relationship with parents while also maintaining the privacy of their patients.

Speaking at the annual ECTRIMS conference in London, Brenda L. Banwell, MD, from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discussed the challenges with process, especially as the young patients enter their teenage years and beyond. Banwell noted that teenagers may be reluctant to talk to their parents or their doctor about their condition. She also said parents need to be sure not to violate their children's trust by sharing their stories on social media or other networks when they may not want others to know about their condition.