Power to the Patient! How to Talk to Doctors and Advocate for Precision Medicine

In this episode Rome Madison interviews Dr. Marleah Dean Kruzel about her journey as a BRCA2 variant carrier and being a cancer previvor. This has informed her work teaching patient-centered communication to healthcare providers to expand patient access to genetics and genomics. Dr. Kruzel describes how family history led to testing, why she waited to take her test, and how that lived experience shaped her research and teaching. She explains the importance of shared decision-making, and practical skills patients can use to talk to their doctors. The episode also covers the benefits and pitfalls of using social media for genetic information and offers concrete tips to prepare for appointments and limit information overload.Key Takeaways:Before the visit, tell your doctor what you want to talk about most. Try writing out your questions to make sure you get answers.At the end of the appointment, say what you heard in your own words. Let the doctor know how you feel, and ask them to explain if something isn’t clear. Be sure to ask “So what are the next steps?” if you’re not clear. Make sure you and your doctor both agree that you understand.Be careful online—pick a few trusted sites, save what you find, and bring those links or notes to your visit.We help you build confidence and learn the language of precision medicine to become a more effective advocate for your health, wellness and longevity.META DESCRIPTIONEver feel lost when your doctor talks about genes or new treatments? In this episode Dr. Marleah Dean Kruzel — a BRCA2 previvor and expert in health communication — shares how to speak up and get the care you want. You’ll hear her personal story and learn simple, practical steps: tell your doctor what you want to discuss, bring clear questions, repeat back what you heard, and ask “what’s next.” Dr. Kruzel also shows how to use the internet without getting overwhelmed and why small habits — like saying how you feel and asking for plain language — help you make better choices with your care team. This episode gives real tools so you can feel confident at medical visits and stand up for your health. We help you build confidence and learn the language of precision medicine to become a more effective advocate for your health, wellness and longevity.