Psychosocial aspects of ambulatory pediatrics

The ability to interview is an essential skill that continues to develop throughout a pediatrician's professional life. Interviewing is a complex procedure that requires in-depth understanding of medical illness, child development, individual and family dynamics, cultural variations, and self-awareness--your personal values and response to crisis, serious illness, and stress. Interviewing is learned by thoughtful reflection of each interview as well as more formally through the use of videotape and attending observation. Each interview is an opportunity to develop a relationship and add a bit of experience that is unique to the patient or parent and potentially useful in understanding more in the future. Although this procedure receives little formal attention, the interview is often the primary vehicle for making the diagnosis, relating to the child and family, and easing emotional suffering and can be a source of satisfaction for the many hours of hard work.