Surgery is scary, especially for children. Perhaps no one understands this better than CHOC pediatric anesthesiologist Paul Yost, MD. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Yost has been committed to making the surgical experience less frightening for kids. Through his years of practice, he has uncovered a few "remedies" to help children relax before heading into the operating room.

Dr. Yost explains there are different techniques based on the patients' ages and maturity levels, "For children between ages 1-5, we mostly use distraction with a combination of medication. For patients who are over 6, we start to use some intellectual techniques like giving them a choice in how they would like to go to sleep for surgery. Most kids do better if you involve them in the process."

Developing a relationship- prior to surgery- with patients and parents is important to Dr. Yost. He wants the entire family to feel at ease about the surgery and the clinical team involved. He also advises parents to try and remain calm, since children can pick up on mom and dad’s anxiety.

"The surgical experience is a stressful time for everyone, parents included. If parents can relax in knowing that they made the best decision by bringing their child to an excellent children's hospital, like CHOC, and can maintain a calm disposition, it makes the experience easier for their children and themselves," says Dr. Yost.

Dr. Yost loves working with children and being part of a pediatric-focused healthcare team. He boasts, “CHOC has the finest physicians, nurses and support staff- including an incredible Child Life Department- in the world. Everyone here is committed to excellence in pediatric care.

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