Ep 34 Dr Alexandra Fuss on Medical Gaslighting and Medical Invalidation

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Alexandra Fuss, Ph.D., Director of Behavioral Medicine in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Alexandra previously served as Director of Behavioral Health in Digestive Diseases and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale, and is a National Scientific Advisor for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and Associate Editor of Crohn's & Colitis 360 Journal. Together, we unpack the topic of medical gaslighting and invalidation in gastrointestinal care, what it is, why patients with gut–brain disorders are particularly vulnerable, and how subtle or systemic factors can leave patients feeling dismissed. Alexandra also shares practical strategies clinicians can use to build trust, improve communication, and ensure patients feel genuinely heard and cared for. Whether you've ever felt your symptoms weren't taken seriously, or you're a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers insightful and actionable guidance you won't want to miss. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Alexandra Fuss.