16. The Waiting Room Revolution with Dr. Samantha Winemaker: How to Show Up as a Whole Person in Healthcare

Send us Fan MailDr. Sammy Winemaker shares how patients can present themselves as unique individuals to the healthcare system rather than becoming "a cog in a wheel." We explore practical ways to ensure your personhood remains at the center of your healthcare journey, even when time with providers is limited.• Healthcare systems value efficiency and standardization, which can wash away personhood from patient care• Patients need to actively present themselves as unique individuals with specific needs and preferences • Dr. Winemaker encourages patients to tell providers "this is what you need to know about me"• Working in home-based palliative care provides rich environmental cues about patients' lives and personalities• Information is a patient's superpower - the more you extract from the healthcare system, the better• There's a difference between being aggressive and assertive - learn to be assertively engaged in your care• Dr. Winemaker's "My Big Picture" tool summarizes who you are, what matters to you, and your communication preferences• Healthcare professionals also need human connection - they often feel like "robots on a conveyor belt"• Being seen as a whole person isn't just nice - it's essential to receiving appropriate careTo learn more about Dr. Winemaker's approach, visit The Waiting Room Revolution where you can find more information about their book "Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest" and the accompanying workbook.Connect with Dr. Sammy WinemakerOther resources mentioned:  Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov Thank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.