Who Will Hold My Hand?

A Guide for Parents Whose Child Needs an Operation

by Kathryn D. Anderson, MD, FACS, FRCS

This book was written for parents who have children facing an operation. Author Kathryn D. Anderson, MD, FACS, FRCS, an internationally renowned pediatric surgeon, helps parents understand not only the medical conditions that young patients have that require an operation, but also how to navigate the complex system of a medical center. Dr. Anderson's goal in writing this book was to help take away some of the helplessness and fear that parents may feel when they hear the word "surgery" related to their child. Dr. Anderson also shares her experience as a surgeon who has dealt with many children and families over the years in order to help parents manage the pain of learning how to deal with a situation that they do not welcome in the first place.

Dr. Anderson became the first woman President of the American College of Surgeons in 2005–2006. She spent 32 years as a pediatric surgeon, practicing in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA. 

Publisher: American College of Surgeons. 2009. 105 pp.

Who Will Hold My Hand? A Guide for Parents Whose Child Needs an Operation