Episode 85: Reducing Children's Fear of Shots and Doctors Visits: Interview with Dr. Jody Thomas

In today’s episode, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Jody Thomas, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, and specialist in pediatric medical illness and trauma. She is an internationally known expert on pediatric pain, she is also a founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering kids and families to prevent and relieve pain and medical anxiety. She is the former Clinical Director of the Packard Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center at Stanford, and a former Assistant Professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Though she now lives in Denver, CO, she still serves as Adjunct Faculty for Stanford, providing supervision and teaching. She is passionate about bringing together the power of medical science, technology and design to transform the way we think about kids and pain and ensuring kids have a positive relationship with healthcare.In this episode we discussed: The importance of pain mitigation strategies for infants and childrenThe SuperMeg coping plan builder for kids.  Resources for parents: Pain Champions Guide for parentsThe Be The Boss Of Your Brain video that Dr. Thomas did for Stanford. It’s being used in several different hospitals, and they have conducted some great pilot studies looking specifically at parent self efficacy around procedures.  ImaginAction is a self hypnosis project that Dr. Thomas did for Stanford The Provider Kit that parents can share with their pediatricianHere is an article written by Dr. Thomas talking about this furtherHow to follow/get in touch with Dr. Jody ThomasWebsite Meg Foundation Website FacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokHow to get in touch with me: Sign up for a 4 week online birth class with meFollow me on Instagram and on TikTokFind other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcastEmail me at [email protected] for free: Seven Experts to have in Your Parenting VillageMonthly NewsletterVisit www.keepsakecastle.com today!Support the show