Meghan L. Marsac, Ph.D.

About

Meghan L. Marsac, Ph.D., is a licensed pediatric psychologist and a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Children’s Hospital. She is a leader in the field of pediatric medical trauma (i.e., emotional and physical reactions to a medical diagnosis or treatment), having published over 60 academic articles and 10 chapters on this topic. With a goal of empowering parents, Marsac co-authored a groundbreaking book for parents to use to help their children through medical care: Afraid of the Doctor: Every Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Managing Medical Trauma. In addition to her book, she has created an innovative evidence-based coping kit (i.e., the Cellie Coping Kit) for children with medical conditions and their siblings. She also serves as the CEO of the Cellie Coping Company.

Marsac has given hundreds of seminars and trainings on understanding and promoting adjustment to medical conditions in children and their families and on trauma-informed medical care.

Recent Posts

3 Tips for Communicating With Your Child’s Medical Team

How can you effectively communicate with your child’s healthcare team?

What Is Trauma-Informed Medical Care?

Have you heard about trauma-informed medical care and wondered what it means? Read on to learn more.

Bullying and Teasing in Children With Food Allergies

Is your food-allergic child having trouble with bullying? Read on for tips on supporting your child.

5 Steps for Setting Goals for Your Child’s Health

Thinking about the new year and setting health goals with your child? Read on to find out how to “C.O.A.C.H.” your child.

3 Tips for Holiday Parenting

Embrace holiday joy with these three tips.

Parenting Sick Kids: Keeping Calm and Carrying On

Here are 6 tips to help you with the juggles and struggles of caring for sick kids.

Getting Creative to Combat Medical Trauma

Blue slushies, social stories, and coping kits: Getting creative to help kids deal with medical treatment.

What Can Parents Do About Needlestick Fears?

Need help with your child’s needlestick fears? These quick tips will help you make a plan with your child.

Find Your People to Help With Emotional Medical Trauma

Figuring out who is in your corner—and your child's—can help you manage the stress and potential trauma of navigating life with a child with a medical condition.

What Does Emotional Medical Trauma Look Like?

Curious about how emotions might be affected by medical conditions or care? Read on to learn about (emotional) medical trauma reactions.