Pediatric Anesthesiologists - Your Child's Guardian Angels during Surgery
“When we sedate them, we must monitor their vital signs and keep their airway clear vigilantly.”
An anesthesiologist, though not directly involved in therapeutic intervention, is integral to the medical team. They provide essential support during medical procedures, ranging from surgical interventions to highly complex, life-critical operations where the patient's life is on the line. Pediatric anesthesia, in particular, is a highly specialized and demanding field.
In this edition of MedPark Stories, we speak with Dr. Ngamjit Pattaravit, a pediatric anesthesia specialist, who shares her valuable insights. Her role is to safeguard the well-being of young patients while offering advice to parents, ensuring a smooth journey of their child’s treatment.
I chose anesthesiology for its “emergency-oriented” dynamics.
Dr. Ngamjit recalls her formative years as a medical student when, upon entering clinical years, she discovered her natural inclination toward emergency patient care. Given her diminutive physical stature, orthopedic surgery seemed impractical, which led her to consider specialties like Anesthesiology and Emergency Medicine. After completing rotations across all medical disciplines, she found her true calling in Anesthesiology.
“Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia to facilitate safe and efficient surgical procedures. In pediatric cases, general anesthesia is our primary modality. During this period of induced unconsciousness, we maintain complete physiological monitoring and support of respiratory function and vital parameters. Pediatric anesthesia demands precision in the doses and administration of medications and fluid management, requiring expertise and an extraordinary level of care.”
Pediatric anesthesia necessitates effective communication with parents and young patients.
Pediatric anesthesia is provided to patients 15 years or younger by anesthesiologists specialized in pediatric care.
“The role of an anesthesiologist extends beyond managing unconscious patients; it also involves communicating with them to explain the procedure and process. It's crucial to establish trust to reassure the patient—or their parents—that we are here to care for them during this vulnerable time. It's about fostering trust and confidence in our care, not just informing them.”
When asked about the differences in managing adult versus pediatric patients, the doctor noted that they differ significantly. For adult patients, anesthesiologists can directly communicate with the patient to explain the procedure and steps involved. However, in pediatric patients, primary communication is directed toward the parents, as they are the ones who need to be informed, not the child.
“Our patients are children. Sometimes, we encounter those who are uncooperative, crying, clinging to their parents, or trying to evade us. In these situations, it is crucial to communicate with parents to ensure their understanding of the process while also comforting the children and earning their trust. These require using language and communication methods suited to their developmental stage. For instance, to encourage a child to breathe in oxygen, we might say -- “blow up a balloon” to engage them.
When the child understands and trusts us, they are more likely to cooperate with the medical team. For parents, a clear understanding of the care process fosters confidence, which in turn reduces their anxiety as well as their child’s apprehension.
Body language plays a pivotal role in managing pediatric patients.
According to Dr. Ngamjit, communication consists of verbal and non-verbal interactions. In pediatric care, a doctor does not need to have a small frame, a soft voice, or be female. A male doctor with a tall stature and deep voice can also be an effective caregiver. What truly matters is how to engage and communicate with the children.
“When approaching a child, our body language can convey whether we’re open to communication. Leaning in and making eye contact while speaking helps build trust with the child. Children not only hear our words but also notice our gestures and demeanor.”
Does being a child make anesthesia more challenging?
“While adults can manage their excitement and anxiety and remain still, children may not be able to do that. As a result, we often use general anesthesia for pediatric patients. The operating room ambiance also plays a role; if there are loud sounds from instruments or many people, children may become anxious, affecting how quickly or slowly they fall asleep.”
The gratification of an anesthesiologist: every patient awakens safely
“As an anesthesiologist, it’s not about seeking recognition or gratitude. My greatest reward is seeing patients wake up safely and successfully recover from their procedures. Their well-being is the ultimate fulfillment."
“Pediatric patients possess an innate charm; their adorable behaviors inspire us as doctors to provide them with extra care." For example, before administering anesthesia, we might promise them a reward. After they wake up, they remember and ask for it. It’s delightful to see they recall those moments.”
Dr Ngamjit explains that pediatric anesthesia can be very stressful as children are more prone to oxygen deprivation than adults. However, their charm and endearing nature can attenuate this stress.
MedPark Hospital is fully equipped to provide pediatric anesthesia care.
When a pediatric patient requires surgery, the surgeon and pediatrician collaborate to assess thoroughly the child’s readiness. A pediatric anesthesiologist also participates in this evaluation, identifying any additional preparations that might be necessary. The hospital must ensure adequate specialized equipment or tools to meet the procedural needs.
“Care for a pediatric patient is a team effort. It’s not just the responsibility of one doctor. We work as a multidisciplinary team, involving specialists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure the child receives the most effective care possible.”
An anesthesiologist with a passion for handicrafts
Dr. Ngamjit recounts her early years as an anesthesiologist; her professional demands led to an imbalanced lifestyle. She often returned home late and stayed up into the wee hours. However, she recognized the importance of prioritizing her sleep to allow more time to relax and enjoy her hobbies.
“Most of the hobbies are things I can do at home. Handicrafts such as crochet and sewing can help me focus, stay calm, and feel a sense of pride when I complete a project.”
Dr. Ngamjit observes that the results of each project, which follows online patterns or tutorials instead of formal training, are not always perfectly sized or symmetrical. Some pieces may come out a bit crooked or uneven. However, this is not something to take too seriously. On the contrary, it has taught her to be flexible with her handicrafts. While the outcome may not always be perfect, each piece reflects her intention, effort, and the value she places on the work she creates.
Common misconceptions about anesthesia
Before concluding the conversation, Dr. Ngamjit addressed common misconceptions about anesthesia, particularly the belief that epidurals during childbirth cause long-term back pain, which is a misunderstanding.
“The structure of our bones changes with age. As we age, the body undergoes wear and tears, and poor posture or repetitive movements can lead to issues like slipped or degenerated discs, which can cause back pain.”
“Another point is that, nowadays, anesthesia is usually administered intravenously rather than inhaling anesthetic gases as in the past. Before surgery, when a patient receives oxygen, they may mistakenly believe that it is anesthetic gas.”
Anesthesiology is a vital medical specialty, indispensable for the feasibility of complex surgical procedures and medical interventions. Each anesthesiologist carries critical responsibilities, carefully monitoring breathing to ensure patients transition safely through anesthesia and awaken calmly and comfortably.
