Sometimes our greatest professional growth comes from moments we wish we could do over. For Dr. Richard Besser, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former CDC acting director, that moment came in 1993 when he was a young pediatrician meeting expectant parents for the first time.

The couple had questions about vaccine schedules for their soon-to-arrive baby. Fresh from researching polio vaccination in Bangladesh and investigating disease outbreaks, Dr. Besser felt confident in his expertise. He presented the facts, explained the risks of not vaccinating, and suggested they find another doctor if they disagreed. They walked out, and he never saw them again.

But that difficult moment sparked three decades of reflection that has shaped Dr. Besser into a more effective advocate for children's health. His journey demonstrates how healthcare providers can better serve families by combining scientific knowledge with genuine compassion.

"My first mistake was talking instead of listening," Dr. Besser now recognizes. What he discovered over the years is that creating space for parents to express their thoughts and concerns builds the foundation for trust. When doctors rush to present data without first understanding families' perspectives, they risk becoming adversaries rather than allies in children's health.

The transformation in Dr. Besser's approach led to meaningful successes. He recalls families who were initially hesitant about vaccines but changed their minds after building a trusting relationship with him. One father in Harlem declined flu shots for his child the first year, but chose to vaccinate the following year. These victories weren't won through lectures or ultimatums, but through patient, respectful dialogue.

Dr. Besser's insights recognize a fundamental truth: every parent wants their child to thrive. Questions about medical treatments aren't signs of opposition but expressions of love and protective instinct. When healthcare providers embrace this perspective, they can meet parents where they are and guide them with empathy.

His reflection arrives at a crucial time, but it also brings encouragement. A recent national poll shows that 85 percent of parents trust their pediatricians on vaccine matters. This tremendous confidence in healthcare providers represents a powerful asset for protecting children's health.

"Despite the considerable damage happening to our nation's vaccination system, that number gives me hope," Dr. Besser shares. The decision to vaccinate happens in examination rooms and clinics across America, built on relationships between families and the medical professionals they trust.

Looking back, Dr. Besser acknowledges he was right about the science but wrong about the conversation. Yet his willingness to learn from that experience and share it with others creates ripples of positive change throughout healthcare. His message to fellow providers is clear: scientific expertise must be paired with emotional intelligence.

The path forward for children's health lies in these human connections. When doctors take time to listen, acknowledge parents' concerns as valid expressions of care, and build relationships grounded in mutual respect, they create environments where families feel empowered to make choices that protect their children.

Dr. Besser's story reminds us that growth, learning, and positive change are always possible. By sharing his journey, he's helping countless other healthcare providers become better communicators and, ultimately, more effective champions for children's health.