You Are Special : A Must-read Book for Teenagers and Parents: the First Book Written by Adolescent Subspecialist Physicians

They are fiercely independent, yet long for acceptance. They are not children, and not yet adults. In many ways, the life stage of adolescence is fraught with confusion and may even seem to be contradictory at times.

As young teens undergo the daily changes and deep frustrations that adolescence can bring, it can be difficult to decipher their particular experiences in a way that makes sense. And when it comes to finding advice online, you’re likely to find information from researchers written in cold, clinical language—or posts from the average parent or layperson who is just as confused as you are.

As subspecialist physicians and professionals who work with teens day in and day out, the authors of You Are Special are familiar with the intricacies of adolescent health, from the process of growth and development, to mental health, to vaccinations.

In this unique guide, the team of experts have created a resource for parents, teens, and individuals everywhere looking to get a handle on unique health topics relevant to adolescents, penned in straightforward language that anyone can understand.

Dr. Anjali Patwardhan is a pediatric rheumatologist and director of operational excellence for the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Her educational experience includes master's degrees in health care and health care policy earned in the UK and a fellowship in QI-Health Care from Harvard University. Having lived and worked in three different continents throughout the world, Dr. Patwardhan brings a unique understanding of diversity and culture to her work every day.

Dhruv Patwardhan is an executive for GE Healthcare, who earned his MBA in health care management and has trained extensively in administrative policies and procedures. His goal is to assure patient-centric care through the important partnership between health care providers and customers.

The pair are part of the team of thirteen adolescent medicine physicians, three nurse practitioners, one dietitian, and one social worker, including Abdallah Dalabih, MD; Alexandra James, MD; Anish Tosh, MD; Anjali Patwardhan, MD; Arayamparambil C. Anilkumar, MD; Beth Woodford, APRN; Cara Hoffart, DO; Celso Velazquez, MD; Charles H. Spencer, MD; Chrystelle Ilboudo, MD; Jennifer Turner, APRN; Jordan T. Jones, DO, MS; Kayla Deanne Otteson, MPH.RD; Kiran Choudhury, MD; Megan Fitzgerald, SW; Rae Ann Kingsley, APRN; Thomas Loew, MD; and Zarah H Ner, MD.