My Legs Are Crying: What A Pediatrician Learned About Emotionally-Based Illness with Dr. Maggie Kozel

Today, Dr. Dan interviews pediatrician and author Dr. Maggie Kozel about children and emotionally-based illnesses. In this unprecedented time of pediatric (and adult) mental health crisis, this episode is essential listening for all families, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Shortly after Dr. Kozel accepted a position as Medical Director of the Inpatient MedPsych unit at Hasbro Children’s Hospital (Providence, RI), she realized she had been treating emotionally-based illnesses in her previous pediatric patients with “one hand tied behind her back” and this revelation transformed her work. Now through My Legs Are Crying, Dr. Kozel’s pediatric experience teaches us about the emotional brain, mental health, depression, and anxiety.  Dr. Dan and Dr. Kozel discuss the book (Dr. Dan was an *early reader), her work, and methods to effectively manage pediatric anxiety. 

A graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, Dr. Kozel is an activist for healthcare equity and common sense gun safety, and her numerous commentaries have appeared in the New York Times and Huffington Post. For more information please visit her website www.maggiekozelmd.com.

*  “My Legs are Crying is a must-read for all who care for children. Dr. Kozel, a seasoned, skilled, and compassionate pediatrician, takes us on her journey of understanding the complex dynamics of emotionally based illnesses. She teaches us that regardless of the source, children and adolescents' body pain and symptoms are real, that parents are doing their best to help their children, and that restoring health and functioning requires a thoughtful, patient, and multidisciplinary approach." –  Dr. Dan Peters