Ep 129: Given 6 Months to Live: Healthcare Policy from the Patient’s Perspective

You won’t find many people on this planet that have a story to tell like Nick Zerwas. Born with congenital heart defect, Zerwas has been given six months to live on six separate occasions but he’s still here living life to the fullest. Who better to get an opinion on healthcare policy changes than someone like Zerwas, who has also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives? Join us as we hear his amazing story of beating the odds and how he’s overcoming his greatest fear of wasting precious time by trying to make a difference.   Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-129-given-6-months-to-live-healthcare-policy-from-the-patients-perspective/2899/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  3:23 – Introducing our guest today 5:32 – Nick’s health history 10:26 – Surviving the Fontan procedure 13:01 – Being told 6 months left to live multiple times 16:00 – Julie interviewed for anesthesia school 19:57 – How has this shaped Nick 25:44 – His decision to run for public office at 25  28:40 – Health policy 32:34 – CRNA’s role in policy-making 36:48 – Pitting people against each other 40:22 – What is important to all elected officials? 43:15 – How effective are emails? 43:15 – Closing thoughts 50:03 – Lightning round