This page lists the specialist who may be a part of your care prior to, during and after your transplant.
Child psychiatrist
A child psychiatrist is an expert in helping children and families to deal with the stress of a life-threatening illness, hospital stays and surgeries. They work with the social worker at the request of the transplant team or the child and family.
Adolescent medicine specialist (doctor specializing in teens)
This doctor specializes in helping teenagers deal with issues such as puberty, drugs, alcohol and birth control while living with a chronic disease. They know a lot about teenagers’ normal growth and development.
In the assessment process, they will try to get to know you and understand how you make decisions. They will also help you to figure out some of the problems you may have after transplant and suggest how to avoid or cope with them.
Adolescent medicine specialists usually meet with teens without their parents and will keep information confidential (just between you and them) unless you are at serious risk.
Note: If there is no adolescent medicine doctor connected to your healthcare team, you can bring up any questions with your social worker or transplant nurse.
Chaplain
The chaplain can offer support to your family during the transplant experience. The chaplain is available to your family regardless of your religion or faith.
Therapeutic clown
Therapeutic clowns are available to meet with you in the hospital. They use humour to help you cope with your time in hospital.
Teacher
A teacher at the hospital will talk to you about how you are managing your school work now and will help you find ways to keep up with your school work when you have a transplant. With you, they will plan the best way to talk with your teachers at school to get the work you need to keep up with your classmates.
The teachers do not work for the hospital but are employed by the Toronto District School Board. You can talk to a member of your transplant team about getting a registration form for a teacher when you are admitted to hospital.
