018 - Advocacy, Access & Bridging The Gap Between Patient & Practitioner - Dr. Orlaith Kelly

In this episode of The Survival Project, i am joined by Dr Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist and passionate IBD advocate, for a deeply honest and wide-ranging conversation about inflammatory bowel disease from both sides of the desk.We explore the realities of living with IBD in Ireland, including the financial burden patients face, why Crohn’s and Colitis are still not recognised under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, and how cost forces people to skip medication, delay care, and suffer in silence.Dr Kelly speaks candidly about the empathy gap between patients and practitioners, the pressures inside an under-resourced health system, and why communication, trust, and listening are just as important as medication. The conversation also dives into steroids, biologics, burnout, advocacy, and what the future of IBD care could look like with AI, remote monitoring, wearables, and personalised treatment.This episode is about humanity in medicine, system change, and why recognising IBD as the disabling condition it is could transform thousands of lives.🎧 A must-listen for anyone living with IBD, supporting someone with chronic illness, or working inside healthcare.Supported by Salts Healthcare Ostique Connect download links:Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ostiqueltd.ostiqueconnect&hl=enApple - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ostique-connect/id6463715231