MediHelpz Live w/Sandra L Washington

A chart note can change your life in seconds, even when it’s wrong. I’m joined by registered nurse, DNP candidate, and founder Rachelle Dumas, who knows patient safety from both sides of the bed. After nine pregnancy losses, she finally welcomes her son, then later wakes up with sudden vision loss and stroke symptoms and gets dismissed in the ER. What follows is a painful look at how misdiagnosis, delayed testing, and “you’re fine” thinking can spiral into real harm, especially for Black women navigating maternal health and emergency care.We also get specific about the tools and systems shaping care right now. Rachelle explains why informatics and AI in healthcare can either humanize the experience or distance us from it, depending on how carefully we build and use it. She shares a terrifying moment where a post-surgery note mentioned “three aneurysms” and nobody returned calls for a week, highlighting how documentation errors and weak follow-up create avoidable fear, extra costs, and dangerous delays.From that gap, she creates HERD (Human Enabled AI Reporting and Documentation), a patient advocacy app designed to help patients and caregivers document concerns, find the right escalation path, and report harm while it’s happening. We also talk about pregnancy loss support, why language matters, how resource gaps leave families isolated, and what “moving forward” after medical trauma looks like when you’re still healing.If you want a grounded conversation on patient advocacy, medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, Black maternal health, and responsible AI, press play. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with the one change you want healthcare to make next.

Nobody warns you that a diagnosis can change your body, your confidence, your relationship, and your sense of self all at once. Sandra L opens with a clear challenge: patients are tired of being dismissed, talked down to, or treated like a template, and real patient-centered care only happens when we communicate and build solutions together.We’re joined by Ebony Mushell, founder of Proud The Lab, a bilateral breast cancer survivor and lupus patient advocate creating tools for healthy sexuality in chronic illness, cancer, trauma, and disability. Ebony explains why sexual wellness in cancer care is often ignored even though studies suggest a huge share of patients experience sexual dysfunction. We talk honestly about supermenopause, body image shifts, fatigue, intimacy after surgery, and how illness impacts partners and kids. Ebony also shares the turning point that led to Proud The Lab after being turned away for help, and why dignity-affirming whole-person care should be the standard.You’ll also get practical steps you can use immediately: Ebony’s three recommendations for clinicians to break the “mutual silence” around sexual health, plus three ways patients can prepare, track symptoms, and use their voice through notes, portal messages, and better questions. We end with the five circles of human sexuality and the resources Proud The Lab is building to bring joy, connection, and confidence back into survivorship.Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review. What’s one health topic you wish your care team would bring up first?

What does it truly mean to fight for your life while helping others find their path forward? Coach Patricia Pearson, known affectionately as "Coach Pat," brings us into her world as a business success coach, publishing mentor, and most remarkably, a stage four lung cancer warrior who has been battling for nearly five years.This conversation unveils the often misunderstood world of clinical trials through the eyes of someone living the experience. Coach Pat dispels common misconceptions—particularly the fear that participants might receive placebos instead of treatment. "For life-threatening diseases like mine," she explains, "you'll either receive the standard care they'd normally give you or the trial drug." This crucial distinction has empowered her to participate in two different clinical trials when standard treatments began affecting her other organs.The power of support systems shines throughout Coach Pat's journey. From her healthcare advocate Sandra Washington to her church family at Abundant Life Family Worship Church and her medical team, these relationships provide the foundation for her remarkable resilience. She shares wisdom about selecting doctors who truly listen and communicate effectively, noting the stark difference between her physician who provides detailed explanations and another who barely spends ten minutes with her.Perhaps most moving is Coach Pat's perspective on purpose. Despite nearly five years battling stage four cancer while maintaining both her coaching business and a full-time job, she remains steadfast in her belief that "God has not kept me here for four years plus for no reason." She compares resilience to a tree in winter storms—it may sway and lose leaves, but its roots grow deeper into the ground, making it stronger.For anyone facing health challenges or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical insights about clinical trials, finding the right medical support, and maintaining faith through difficult times. Listen now to discover how being proactive about your health demonstrates the love you proclaim for yourself and others.

What does it truly mean to be present as a father? How can male role models shape a child's future when biological fathers aren't consistently available? These questions form the heart of our powerful conversation with Sir Royce Briales from Welcome to Fatherhood.Founded to support fathers across all stages of life, Welcome to Fatherhood has expanded from its Chicago roots to connect with dads nationwide through symposiums, podcasts, and community building. Sir Royce Briales shares the organization's mission of creating stronger father-child bonds while also building bridges between parents to create healthier environments for children.Through personal stories,  Sir Royce Briales  reveals how his own father's social abilities and grandfather's work ethic provided foundations for his development, even as his father later struggled with addiction. When his traditional fatherhood faltered, his uncle—who transformed from "street guy" to minister—stepped in as a crucial male figure, demonstrating how positive male influences can guide young men through challenging transitions.The conversation takes an inspiring turn as  Sir Royce Briales  discusses the 37-year friendship with his business partner that eventually led to creating Welcome to Fatherhood. Their enduring relationship illustrates how male friendships provide accountability, growth opportunities, and support systems that ultimately benefit children across generations.For fathers seeking practical guidance,  Sir Royce Briales  offers two powerful directives: "Be present" and "Show love." Being present means engaging fully with children's activities rather than merely occupying the same space. Expressing love requires both actions and words—understanding a child's unique love language while not hesitating to say "I love you" directly. These seemingly simple practices have profound impacts on children's development and future relationships.Whether you're a new father, experienced dad, or someone supporting fathers in your community, this episode provides valuable insights into creating the meaningful connections children need to thrive. Subscribe now to join our ongoing exploration of what true fatherhood means in today's world.

The intersection of health challenges and entrepreneurship creates a unique battleground for women business owners. While we excel at multitasking and presenting a polished exterior, many of us suffer silently under the weight of competing demands on our time, energy, and resources. This candid conversation explores how health issues—from chronic conditions to mental health struggles—directly impact our ability to build and sustain successful businesses.When perfectionism meets health limitations, we often delay launching or scaling our ventures, waiting for ideal conditions that rarely materialize. Financial constraints force impossible choices between healthcare access and business investment, with many women remaining in traditional employment solely for insurance benefits. Meanwhile, encounters with healthcare systems that dismiss or misdiagnose our concerns create additional obstacles that drain precious resources.Beyond physical health, the entrepreneurial journey significantly impacts our mental wellbeing. Depression and anxiety don't just affect personal happiness—they influence critical business decisions, creative thinking, and relationship-building abilities essential for success. For women entrepreneurs juggling health challenges, boundary-setting becomes not just a personal skill but a business imperative.Throughout this powerful discussion, we uncover practical strategies for navigating these complex challenges. From carefully selecting supportive communities to prioritizing self-care and spiritual foundations, we explore how women entrepreneurs can build businesses that enhance rather than deplete wellbeing. The message becomes clear: sustainable entrepreneurship requires acknowledging that your business cannot thrive if you don't survive.Ready to transform how you approach health and business? Join this essential conversation about what it truly takes to build a successful venture while honoring your wellbeing as a woman entrepreneur.

What happens when domestic violence shatters a family? The trauma ripples outward, creating countless secondary "patients" who must navigate their own healing journeys alongside the primary victim.Elena Maria takes us through the devastating moment she received news that her sister Yolanda had been murdered by her husband—a shocking act witnessed by her 14-year-old nephew. With raw honesty, Elena describes driving three hours on autopilot to reach her family and the surreal reality of gathering not for their usual celebration, but in shared grief."I felt everything and nothing all at the same time," Elena reveals, capturing the paradox of trauma that leaves you simultaneously overwhelmed and numb. This conversation ventures beyond the immediate tragedy to explore how domestic violence particularly affects Black communities, where cultural silence often prevents intervention. "We need to talk about it more," Elena emphasizes, suggesting churches and community spaces should prominently display resources for those suffering in silence.The most powerful moments come as Elena shares how her family is rebuilding—through therapy for every member, maintaining family togetherness, and her personal commitment to honor her sister's legacy. Wearing a necklace containing her sister's ashes, Elena continues pursuing her creative gifts as an author, actress, and entrepreneur, guided by her sister's memory. "I refuse to give the grave any of my potential," she declares, transforming her pain into purpose.For anyone touched by trauma or supporting someone through grief, this episode offers profound wisdom about healing while acknowledging that some wounds never fully close. Instead, we learn to live through them, carrying our loved ones forward by embracing life with even greater intention.

Dr. Samika Cosey joins Sandra L to unpack the often-overlooked healthcare experiences of neurodivergent patients – those whose brains process information differently due to conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Drawing from both personal and professional expertise, Dr. Cosey explains how healthcare systems frequently fail to accommodate these differences, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed care, and unnecessary suffering.The conversation takes a powerful turn when Dr. Cosey reveals her own journey: as a child, she lost the ability to speak following a seizure. This transformative experience shaped her mission to ensure others receive the support she once needed, eventually leading her to found The Cozy Project – an organization providing critical resources to neurodivergent individuals and their families.What emerges is a thoughtful exploration of advocacy's crucial role in healthcare. When doctors dismiss parents' concerns about their children's development or fail to understand neurodivergent needs, families must fight harder for appropriate care. This burden falls especially heavily on underserved communities, where information about available resources often fails to reach those who need it most.Sandra and Dr. Cosey highlight how financial barriers create additional obstacles, with insurance limitations and program cuts making specialized services increasingly inaccessible – particularly for adults over 23, who face even greater challenges securing necessary support. Yet they offer hope through practical solutions, from navigating IEP processes to connecting with community resources nationwide.At its heart, this episode embodies the "each one teach one, reach one" philosophy – reminding us that knowledge shared becomes power multiplied. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, care for someone who is, or simply want to better understand diverse patient needs, this conversation offers invaluable insights into creating more inclusive, responsive healthcare experiences for all.Connect with The Cozy Project at thecozyproject.com or 224-409-8811 to learn more about resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

What happens when the caregiver becomes the patient? In this powerful conversation with Carolyn, a nurse with over 40 years of experience, we pull back the curtain on what it's like when healthcare professionals find themselves on the other side of the stethoscope.Carolyn shares her raw, unfiltered experience dealing with debilitating hand pain that woke her up at 2 AM with what she describes as "a 20 on a scale of 1-10." Despite her extensive medical knowledge, she found herself navigating the same frustrating maze of specialists, contradictory diagnoses, and months-long wait times that many patients face. Her conscious decision not to reveal her nursing background during appointments offers a fascinating glimpse into how healthcare providers might experience treatment differently than ordinary patients.The conversation dives deep into the patient experience from a unique dual perspective. Carolyn explains why even healthcare professionals need to advocate for themselves, seek second opinions, and question treatments that don't feel right. After initially being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and scheduled for surgery, further testing revealed no nerve impingement—highlighting why blind trust in a single medical opinion can sometimes lead patients down unnecessary paths.Beyond medical insights, Carolyn reveals how she maintains balance through prayer, music, and line dancing despite her physical limitations, and shares her journey as an international author writing under the name AKA Gentry. Her story reminds us that behind every white coat is a human being who may be fighting their own health battles while caring for others.Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone navigating the medical system, this episode offers valuable wisdom on being educated about your condition, empowered to use your voice, and engaged in your treatment. Subscribe now and join our community as we continue exploring the human side of healthcare!

The journey of patient advocacy begins with a single, powerful truth: your health story matters. In this debut episode of the CHLMS  MEDI HELPZ Foundation podcast, we meet Jacquiline Cox - lupus warrior, author, and living testimony that medical predictions don't define your destiny.Three years ago, a doctor told Jacquiline she had just three months to live. Today, she stands as an ambassador for Walk for Lupus Now, a 15-time bestselling author, and a beacon of hope for those navigating the complicated reality of invisible illness. With raw emotion and unflinching honesty, Jacquiline shares the daily challenges of living with lupus, fibromyalgia, and thyroid cancer while managing a business, raising a family, and advocating for better patient care."Just because you can't see it doesn't mean we're not struggling," Jacquiline reminds us, challenging the dismissive attitudes that chronically ill patients often face. Her practical wisdom offers a roadmap for others: track your symptoms, know your medical information, understand your insurance coverage, and most importantly, build a circle of support who truly understands your specific challenges.The foundation of this podcast rests on a revolutionary concept - patients don't just deserve a seat at the healthcare table; they need their own table where experiences can be shared without judgment, where education replaces fear tactics, and where collective wisdom creates paths toward better health outcomes. Whether you're battling chronic illness or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both practical strategies and emotional sustenance.Have a patient story that deserves to be heard? Reach out to the CHLMS MEDIHELPZ Foundation. Your voice matters, your experience can heal others, and together, we're creating a patient uprising built on empowerment, education, and community.

Patricia "Mamu" Rangel brings 40+ years of wisdom from the frontlines of maternal healthcare to this powerful conversation about the past, present, and future of Black maternal health. A nurse who has worked across multiple hospital units including labor and delivery, postpartum, and now an OBGYN clinic, Mamu also serves as a doula, childbirth educator, and lactation consultant—bringing a uniquely comprehensive perspective to maternal care.The conversation explores a striking paradox: how traditional "granny midwives" with minimal formal education could deliver hundreds or even thousands of babies without losses, while our modern medical system continues to struggle with maternal mortality rates, particularly for Black mothers. "What are we doing that they were doing, that we're not doing?" Mamu asks, challenging us to reconsider what wisdom might have been lost in the medicalization of birth.Throughout her career, Mamu witnessed the evolution of the doula profession from misunderstood outsiders to valued members of the birth team. She passionately advocates for more comprehensive doula education beyond weekend certification programs, suggesting mentorship models where experienced doulas guide newcomers. "You might be able to say you know what you're doing because of the information that you received coming out," she notes, "but when you're with someone who's been in the trenches, they can catch your flaws."The conversation takes a poignant turn when discussing the shift away from personal connection in healthcare. "Nobody wants to talk to you anymore," Mamu observes, lamenting how technology has replaced face-to-face communication. This disconnect extends beyond the hospital to family dynamics, where meaningful interaction has diminished. For expectant families, this highlights the importance of finding providers who prioritize building relationships and truly hearing mothers' voices.For those considering careers in healthcare, Mamu offers invaluable guidance: find your niche, understand the demanding nature of the work, and maintain emotional boundaries while still providing compassionate care. Her wisdom reminds us that birth work isn't just a job—it's a calling that requires both passion and boundaries to serve families effectively while sustaining yourself for the long haul.