Topic: Complex Care-Family Adaptation, & Service Coordination

Speaker: Dr. Cady Williams, MD

Objectives: 

•Define Children with Medical Complexity (CMC) –Explore the clinical characteristics, care needs, and systemic challenges associated with children living with medical complexity.

•Examine Family Adaptation to Chronic Pediatric Illness –Discuss the psychological, emotional, and logistical adjustments families make in response to long-term care demands.

•Understand the Impact on Caregivers and Their Needs –Highlight the lived experiences of caregivers, including stressors, resilience, and what they value most in care partnerships.

•Promote Humanism in Pediatric Complex Care –Emphasize the importance of empathy, dignity, and respect in clinical interactions, especially when navigating uncertainty and vulnerability.

•Strengthen the Therapeutic Alliance –Identify strategies for building trust, shared decision-making, and collaborative relationships between families and care teams.

•Introduce Key Community Partners and Resources –Provide an overview of local and national organizations, services, and supports that enhance care coordination and family well-being.