How to Find a Surgeon Kids Can Trust
Why Melbourne Parents Choose Dr Simon Braham for Gentle, Modern ENT Surgery
When your child isn’t sleeping properly, can’t hear clearly, or is constantly sick – it affects the whole family. You lose sleep, miss work, juggle appointments, and wrestle with worry. When the GP suggests seeing a surgeon, most parents feel their stomach drop.
That’s the moment many Melbourne families are grateful to find Dr Simon Braham, a Specialist ENT Surgeon known not just for his expertise, but for his calm, gentle and family-focused approach to children’s care.
“I understand what it’s like to be the parent in the waiting room,” says Dr Braham, who lives in Albert Park with his partner and two young children. “I know that surgery for your child is never a small decision. It’s my job to make that journey as clear, kind and supported as possible — from the very first consult.”
Everyday Issues Can Have a Big Family Impact: Why ENT Problems Matter
Dr Braham specialises in treating common paediatric ENT conditions for kids — the kinds of problems that can quietly disrupt a child’s wellbeing but are often brushed off as “just part of growing up.” The most frequent issues he sees include:
- Chronic ear infections that affect hearing, speech development and school readiness
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids that cause snoring, poor sleep, mouth breathing and fatigue
- Recurrent sore throats that keep children home from school
- Breathing or airway difficulties that affect feeding or speech
- Nasal congestion and sinus problems that disrupt sleep and concentration
“These may sound like small issues,” Dr Braham says, “but they affect the whole rhythm of a child’s day — and the whole household.”
When these problems don’t resolve with time or medication, surgical intervention might be the next step. But for many families, that prospect feels daunting.
A Calm Voice in an Emotional Moment
Dr Braham’s consulting room is often filled with nervous little faces hiding behind mum’s legs, siblings in prams, and parents balancing worry with practical questions. His approach is to slow everything down.
“No one likes to feel rushed when they’re worried about their child,” he says. “I take the time to explain what’s going on, what surgery involves, and — just as importantly — what it doesn’t.”
He talks directly to the child first, breaking the ice with a question about their favourite game or musical. He never forces them to sit still, and he respects their space.
“I want the child to feel seen — not just examined.”
Parents, meanwhile, often have a flood of questions:
- Is it safe?
- Will it hurt or cause pain?
- How long will it take to recover?
- What if they’re scared before surgery?
- What should we expect afterwards?
Dr Braham answers them all, using visual models, diagrams, and clear, simple language. He encourages parents to take notes, ask questions, and even come back for a second conversation if they need time to process.
“Surgery should never feel rushed or pushed,” he says. “When a parent feels fully informed, they feel more in control — and that calm filters down to their child too.”
What Children Worry About — and How to Help Them
Many children, especially between ages 3 and 10, have natural fears about surgery. Dr Braham sees common worries come up again and again, such as:
- “Will it hurt?”
- “Will I wake up during the operation?”
- “Will I have to stay in hospital forever?”
- “What if I’m scared and Mum’s not there?”
- “Will I be able to eat ice cream?”
Best Tips to Prepare Your Child for Surgery
Dr Braham has some helpful suggestions for parents preparing their child for surgery:
- Talk about it early — but keep it simple.
Use age-appropriate words. Say something like, “The doctor is going to help your nose/breathing/ears work better, and you’ll be asleep the whole time.” Avoid overexplaining or using scary words like “cut” or “bleed.” - Let them ask questions.
If they ask, “Will it hurt?” you can say: “Your throat might feel scratchy like when you’re sick, but it gets better quickly — and you’ll have medicine to help.” - Be honest — but positive.
Avoid saying “nothing will happen” — instead, say, “You’ll be asleep and safe, and we’ll be there when you wake up.” - Let them bring comfort items.
A favourite teddy, blanket or book can make a huge difference on surgery day. - Visit the hospital virtually.
Some hospitals offer videos or photos showing what the rooms look like, to make the experience more familiar. - Choose your words with care.
Dr Braham avoids medical jargon and encourages parents to do the same. Saying “going to sleep” rather than “anaesthetic” or “the doctor will help your ears” rather than “they’re removing tissue” makes things feel safer. - Stay calm yourself.
Children take emotional cues from their parents. If you appear confident and relaxed, your child is more likely to stay settled too.
Using Gentle Techniques for Faster, Easier Recovery
Dr Braham is known for using advanced surgical techniques that are less invasive and more child-friendly. These include:
- Modern tonsil and adenoid removal methods that reduce pain and bleeding
- Dissolvable stitches so there’s no need for removal
- Minimally invasive ear surgery to improve hearing and reduce infection
- Coordinated anaesthetic plans to reduce pain nausea and speed up waking times
Most surgeries are performed as day procedures, meaning your child can come home the same afternoon. Parents are given clear recovery plans, including:
- What to expect in the first 24–48 hours
- Which foods are best to start with
- Pain relief options
- When to return to school or childcare
- Who to call if you’re concerned
“We don’t just send you home and wish you luck,” Dr Braham says. “We give you the tools — and the follow-up — to help your child recover smoothly.”
Kindness, Connection, and Care You Can Feel
Dr Braham isn’t just a technically skilled surgeon. He’s a parent, an active listener, and someone who deeply understands how emotional the process can be for families.
He limits the number of surgeries he performs each week so that he can give each child his full attention — and avoid rushed consults or crowded recovery timelines.
He encourages parents to bring their partner, a grandparent or support person to the consult, and he makes space for their questions — no matter how big or small.
“If your child needs surgery, you deserve the time, clarity and compassion to feel ready,” he says. “That’s what I offer.”
What Makes a Good Paediatric ENT Surgeon?
- Paediatric focus — ENT surgery tailored to children, not just adapted from adults
- Warm, calm presence — especially helpful for anxious or shy children
- Clear communication — no rushed explanations, no jargon
- Modern techniques — faster recovery, less pain, fewer complications
- Personal experience — a father who understands family concerns firsthand
- Follow-up support — because surgery is a journey, not a moment
A Safer, Gentler Path Forward
As a parent, making the decision to pursue surgery for your child is never easy. But with the right support, clear information, and a surgeon who truly cares, it can also be a powerful step toward better sleep, better health, and a happier child.
Dr Simon Braham can help guide that journey — one family at a time, with empathy, excellence, and a smile that children learn to trust.
And yes — when it’s all done, there’s definitely time for ice cream.