William Bryson-Brockmann, PhD (L), Chief, Behavioral Pediatrics, uses a variety of techniques to train pediatric residents. Here, he reviews case studies with Maria Bournias, MD (R) first-year resident.

Through Dr. Bryson-Brockmann's interventions, Winthrop offers traditional psychotherapy to the hospitalized pediatric patient — at bedside — to help cope with chronic illness and pain. "I listen closely to the concerns of the patient and the parents or guardians. Listening skills are important, along with knowing how to ask the right questions. Support and reassurance are also a major component of what we provide," said Dr. Bryson-Brockmann.

Children with asthma or irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from the relaxation techniques taught at bedside by Dr. Bryson-Brockmann. In a recent case, an adolescent with Muscular Dystrophy, who was medically contraindicated for general anesthesia, required a tracheostomy. His pediatrician recommended local anesthesia - with hypnosis. Working closely with Elizabeth Coryllos, MD, Director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Trauma, and Sports Medicine, Dr. Bryson-Brockmann successfully hypnotized the patient, who experienced only a minimal level of pain during the procedure.

Dr. Bryson-Brockmann is also closely associated with Winthrop's Child Life Program, founded in 1992, which responds to the unique needs of each hospitalized child from admission through discharge.

Patient relations skills are also included in the training of pediatric residents at Winthrop, a teaching Hospital with a major academic affiliation with SUNY, Stony Brook. During their residencies, Dr. Bryson-Brockmann helps the residents to enhance their human relations skills.

To accomplish this, Dr. Bryson-Brockmann videotapes the residents as they interact with a multiplicity of patients, in a variety of situations. Viewing the videotapes with peers and physician mentors, the residents directly and objectively witness their own "bedside manner." Viewers critique what they see, rating each other's skills and pinpointing areas in need of improvement. Residents are re-taped frequently, as a method of measuring progress.

The pediatric residency training program at Winthrop includes a rotation at the Burrell School in Levittown - a program for autistic children - and the National Disabilities Center in Albertson, a program for physically challenged children. Through direct contact, the pediatric residents develop greater sensitivity in treating children with special needs.

As part of their training, Dr. Bryson-Brockmann equips each pediatric resident with a tamagotchi - a popular Japanese toy resembling an egg. "You have to take care of the tamagotchi," he explained. "It must be fed, played with, cuddled, put to bed - all the things a child needs. Through this exercise, the resident is made immediately aware of what parents must do everyday."

For further information, Dr. Bryson-Brockmann can be reached at 1-877-559-KIDS.