The Cost of Not Being Heard: Clinical Dismissal and the Push for Change

In this episode of The Health Disparities Podcast, Dr. Mary O’Connor speaks with Stephanie A. Wynn—author, Crohn’s survivor, and founder of The Stephanie A. Wynn Foundation. Stephanie shares her powerful journey through years of misdiagnosis, medical dismissal, pregnancy loss, and a near‑death experience that ultimately shaped her mission to support underserved IBD patients. She breaks down the barriers many patients face when navigating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and explains how her IBD Patient Navigator® Program helps individuals access specialists, understand their diagnosis, reduce ER visits, and overcome social determinants of health. You’ll hear insights on: • The impact of delayed diagnosis and clinical bias • The difference between IBS and IBD • Why community health workers are essential to IBD care • How journaling and documentation strengthen patient advocacy • Expanding navigator programs into rural and underserved communities This conversation is a must‑listen for anyone working in gastroenterology, community health, patient navigation, or health equity.