Patient Advocacy Now

Step Into PA360°Turn collaboration into referrals and practice growthPatient Advocacy 360° is a professional community where advocates connect, collaborate, and grow their practices.This brief video shows how PA360 helps advocates gain visibility, share expertise, and access new opportunities.PA360° helps advocates:Receive referrals through GNA’s Advocacy Support CenterHighlight expertise when complex cases ariseCollaborate with peers nationwideAccess professional resources and industry partnersBuild stronger practicesPA360° also serves as the sourcing hub for GNA’s Advocacy Support Center, creating new opportunities for advocates to be discovered when families need professional support.Already a GNA member? Access PA360° through your GNANOW member menu — no new password required. The platform feels familiar but is built exclusively for the profession — no distractions, just peers and opportunity.Step into PA360° today and start collaborating with advocates nationwide.

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back pediatric advocate Rebeka Acosta, BCPA, for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation. Rebeka shares the emotional decision to step back from her advocacy practice to focus on her son’s health, while reflecting on the tremendous progress made for pediatric healthcare in Nevada. From her early work helping families navigate fragmented systems to the upcoming launch of the state’s first freestanding children’s hospital, she discusses the power of persistence, collaboration, and community voice in driving meaningful change.Rebeka also opens up about how advocates can build strong relationships with community organizations, turning shared goals into lasting partnerships that improve care for children and families. She explains the value of showing up in person, building trust, and creating connections that outlast any one practice or individual. Through her work with organizations like Gigi’s Playhouse, she has helped transform how local centers empower parents, volunteers, and staff to better support families with complex medical needs.As the conversation turns to mentorship and the future of the field, Rebeka reflects on what new advocates need most: emotional resilience, community, and a clear understanding of their unique value. She shares candid lessons from her own journey and a vision for a more unified advocacy movement, one where independent advocates, healthcare providers, and community leaders work together to create a system that truly serves children and families.

Rachel J Nash traces her journey from rehabilitation counseling roles inside large systems (state vocational services, VA, Medicaid social work) to launching a private advocacy practice anchored in ethics, transparency, and patient empowerment. She explains why board certification matters to her—adherence to a code of ethics, continuing education, and clear boundaries such as not serving as a client’s POA—and how her work today focuses on adults, especially veterans and civilians with complex, long-ignored issues. Rachel demystifies VA basics like what a 10% service-connected disability rating enables, why continuity of care and accurate documentation strengthen claims, and how presumptive exposures (e.g., Agent Orange, burn pits) can link later conditions to service. She dives into mental health advocacy, candidly noting her own bipolar diagnosis and using it to frame a practical “cake” model where medication and therapy are only two ingredients alongside sleep, movement, relationships, purpose, and faith. She calls the mental health system the hardest to navigate due to stigma, overmedication, rushed visits, poor follow-through, and scarce beds or step-down programs; her counter is meticulous preparation, written timelines, and modeling collaborative, respectful communication in the exam room. Boots on the ground in the Carolinas, Rachel attends appointments, coordinates across providers and insurers, and insists on clients having “skin in the game” as true partners. Her one big system wish: more doctors with time and latitude to practice real medicine.Resources Mentioned:[email protected]://www.va.govhttps://www.pacboard.org 

In this episode, we sit down with author and advocate Cynthia Overton to discuss her new book, The Clear Cane Chronicles, which explores what person-centered care really looks like in practice. Cynthia explains the evolution of models of care from traditional to patient-centered to person-centered and how the last one looks beyond the medical condition to the whole individual, considering lifestyle, relationships, and beliefs. She shares her personal journey of surviving spinal cord surgery in her twenties and how her recovery shaped her passion for improving healthcare systems to be more compassionate, collaborative, and responsive.Cynthia opens up about the critical role her family played in her healing process and the challenges she faced navigating the insurance system when coverage for her life-saving surgery was initially denied. Drawing on established frameworks such as the Picker Principles and the National Advisory Board’s six principles, she outlines how providers and patients can work together to achieve better outcomes. She also shares how modern healthcare organizations, such as One Medical, exemplify person-centered care through accessibility, convenience, and genuine collaboration between doctors and patients.Listeners will learn how Cynthia’s experiences and research have informed her call for systemic change, empowering patients to take an active role in their own care while urging providers and payers to adopt practices rooted in empathy, dignity, and partnership. Her book, The Clear Cane Chronicles, is available on Amazon, and Cynthia will soon share excerpts and practical insights for patients on her website and Instagram.

In this episode, we speak with Dana Jarvis from MiracleFlights.org, a nonprofit that has provided more than 165,000 free flights over the past 40 years to help children access specialized medical care not available near home. Serving all 50 states, Miracle Flights covers commercial airfare for pediatric patients aged 17 and under who must travel for treatment of rare, chronic, or complex medical conditions. Dana explains that once a child flies with Miracle Flights even once before turning 18, they become eligible for continued support as adults for future medical needs, ensuring long-term access to care.Dana highlights how Miracle Flights assists families facing conditions that often require multiple follow-up visits, such as organ transplants, neuroblastoma, or club foot. She describes partnerships with top hospitals like the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and the Paley Foundation in Boca Raton. The organization focuses on removing logistical and financial barriers so parents can choose the best possible specialists for their children.The discussion also explores how Miracle Flights has modernized and simplified the application process. By visiting miracleflights.org and clicking “Request a Flight,” applicants can complete nine brief pre-screening questions in just a few minutes to determine preliminary eligibility. The process is intentionally transparent and compassionate, minimizing paperwork and providing fast clarity to families under stress. For more details, applicants can consult the checklist and FAQ sections on the website.Advocates and healthcare professionals can reach out directly to Dana Jarvis at [email protected] to schedule informational presentations or learn how to help clients apply. Whether supporting a transplant follow-up or a specialized procedure, Miracle Flights aims to make sure no child is denied critical care simply because of distance.

Healthcare advocate Joyce Griggs shares her journey from navigating her partner’s dangerous post-surgery crisis to founding United States of Healthcare, a platform empowering patients to become their own advocates. Drawing on 20 years in healthcare communications, Joyce opens up about the assumptions that nearly caused tragedy, and why self-advocacy is as essential a life skill as financial literacy. She explains how preparation, asking the right questions, and challenging assumptions can change outcomes—sometimes even save lives.In this conversation, Joyce highlights practical tools from her course Healthcare Powered by You, including how to prepare for doctor visits, document family health histories, build care teams, and navigate financial and insurance barriers. She also shares her innovative integration of AI into advocacy education, helping patients cut through information overload and feel confident in high-pressure medical situations.Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to advocate for themselves or loved ones, and a fresh perspective on why self-advocacy isn’t optional—it’s survival.Resources Mentioned:https://www.unitedstatesofhealthcare.comDoctor’s Visit Checklist: checklist.unitedstatesofhealthcare.comHealthcare Powered by You (course on self-advocacy skills)AI in patient advocacy: foundational prompt for asking healthcare questionsSouth by Southwest (SXSW) Health & Tech corridorKey Topics Covered:Why self-advocacy is the “first aid” of healthcare literacyThe gap between knowing the system and surviving itCommon assumptions patients make that can be dangerousHow to prepare for rushed doctor’s visits (before, during, and after)Essential questions to ask providers about treatment options and medicationsThe role of AI in making healthcare information accessibleWhat patients misunderstand about insurance, coverage, and rationing

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Rochester shares her remarkable journey from practicing pediatric medicine to becoming a nationally recognized health advocate. Sparked by her experiences caring for her late father, Dr. Rochester realized how vital her medical knowledge and connections were in navigating a broken healthcare system. That realization inspired her to create Your GPS Doc in 2017, where she helps families and patients understand their diagnoses, bridge communication gaps, and make empowered decisions about care.Over time, her work expanded beyond one-on-one advocacy to training other physicians to do the same. Through her program Navigating Health Advocacy Ready Set Launch, she has guided dozens of physicians in transforming their careers, building advocacy businesses, and addressing mindset barriers that hold them back. She emphasizes that while medical knowledge is critical, learning how to market, price, and build sustainable practices is just as important for long term success.Dr. Rochester also speaks nationally on critical issues like empathy in healthcare, medical gaslighting, and systemic racism. Her TEDx talk introduced the concept of the “90 second encounter,” showing how small shifts in patient connection can transform trust and outcomes. She continues to advocate for structural accountability in healthcare while helping patients and doctors alike cut through barriers. To learn more about her advocacy work, coaching, and speaking engagements, visit: http://yourgpsdoc.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherika Newman, a hospice and palliative medicine physician and founder of Doctor in the Family. Dr. Newman shares how her journey in patient care led her to launch a patient advocacy service and later expand into weight management. She explains why obesity is now understood as a chronic brain-based disease, the groundbreaking role of GLP-1 medications, and the concept of “food noise” that many patients struggle with. Dr. Newman also discusses her philosophy of blending lifestyle changes with medicine in what she calls the Life Med Journey. The conversation highlights compassion, patient-centered care, and the importance of self-advocacy in today’s healthcare landscape.Resources Mentioned:Phone: 404-900-8654Website: http://www.mydif.com

In this episode, Victoria Killian shares her decades-long journey navigating the medical system with chronic illnesses, beginning at age 12 with debilitating back pain. She describes her struggles with missed diagnoses, the eventual discovery of ankylosing spondylitis, setbacks from conflicting medical opinions, and the ongoing search for clarity around a potential connective tissue disorder. Victoria explains how her personal experiences led her to embrace advocacy, eventually becoming a Board Certified Patient Advocate and launching her practice, Chronically Advocating. She discusses the importance of self-advocacy, strategies for respectfully challenging doctors, systemic issues in insurance and prior authorizations, and how professional advocates can help patients facing complex medical challenges.Resources Mentioned: chronicallyadvocating.com Spondylitis Association Arthritis Foundation HLAB27 blood test Remicade, Humira, Enbrel, Symzea (TNF inhibitors) Cymbalta California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Information on prior authorization reforms in California Pharmacy Benefit Managers regulation in California

Social worker and aging life care manager Amy McWilliams shares her journey from caring her aging parents to founding Not Your Average Joe, an advocacy practice where she provides Personalized Senior Advocate Care Management and Services that help aging adults and their families navigate complex care systems. She opens up about balancing parents’ independence with safety, and the importance of planning. McWilliams also emphasizes how small acts of advocacy can transform lives and discusses building trust with overwhelmed families, supporting neurodiverse clients, and what she’s learned from her daughter’s late autism diagnosis. Resources Mentioned:Not Your Average Joe (care management practice; Metro Atlanta)Advance Directive and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)Medicare; Medicaid waivers; Area Agency on AgingRehabilitation facilities; CNA training and staffingAging Life Care Association (ALCA)Virtual reality autism training experience126127 Legacy Foundation (medical mission work led by Dr. Benjamin Abraham)

In this emotional and revealing interview, Donna Sullivan shares how her experience as a mother to children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) led her into full-time advocacy. When her children faced chronic pain, misunderstood diagnoses, and rejection from hospitals, she realized the problem was bigger than her own family. Families across the country were being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and even accused of medical child abuse when seeking help for rare conditions. After witnessing the tragic suicide of a fellow advocate, Donna knew the silence had to end.She discusses how she joined forces with director Andrew Abrahams to create Complicated, a feature documentary that follows four families over nine years. The film captures the medical, legal, and emotional crises that unfold when rare diseases is poorly understood. It also reveals the institutional arrogance and systemic failures that compound the suffering of already vulnerable children. Donna explains that the goal of the film is to educate doctors, empower advocates, and give a voice to families who have been ignored or harmed by the very system meant to help them.Now, Donna is building a nonprofit and launching an impact campaign to bring Complicated into medical schools, hospitals, and advocacy groups. She encourages screenings, open discussions, and partnerships with institutions ready to learn and do better. With a background in journalism and a heart for change, she is pushing to make this a turning point in rare disease care.References and Resources Mentioned:Complicated, produced by Open Eye Pictures (openeyepix.org)The documentary Take Care of Maya on NetflixUnder Our Skin, directed by Andrew AbrahamsEhlers-Danlos Syndrome information (ehlers-danlos.com)Complex Regional Pain Syndrome resources (rsds.org)Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (dysautonomiainternational.org)Coalition Against Pediatric Pain (tcapp.org)Connective Tissue CoalitionPathways to TrustPharmacogenetics in pain medicineFor screenings or to support the mission, visit openeyepix.org and reach out through the contact page.

In this insightful interview, Andrew Gill, LPC, shares his unique approach to counseling clients with chronic pain, emphasizing the profound intersection between physical suffering and mental health. Drawing from years of experience, Gill highlights how anxiety, depression, and even trauma often accompany long-term physical pain, especially in patients navigating fragmented and impersonal medical systems. He advocates for a holistic framework that includes somatic therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing—tools designed to address not just a client’s thoughts but their embodied emotional experience. His approach encourages clients to reconnect with their bodies, unpack self-critical narratives, and build compassionate self-awareness that fosters healing.Gill also speaks candidly about how he handles the emotional toll of working with chronically ill clients, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and self-care for both therapists and advocates. He stresses that clinicians and patient advocates alike must learn to be “responsible to” clients, not “responsible for” them—an essential mindset when dealing with cases involving complex emotional and medical dynamics. With humility and clarity, he offers practical advice on how to assess clients’ needs, advocate effectively within disjointed healthcare systems, and preserve one’s own emotional well-being in the process. His commitment to serving underrepresented populations, including those on Medicaid, reflects his deeply rooted values and the belief that healing is not only possible but also a communal responsibility.***Resources & Links MentionedAndrew Gill’s Contact Info: 🔗 Website: www.tauhealingservices.com 📧 Email: [email protected]***Therapy & Clinical Resources MentionedMotivational Interviewing Developed by Dr. William R. Miller — a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change.Somatic Therapy Body-focused therapeutic approach addressing the mind-body connection in trauma and chronic pain.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Traditional cognitive model often used as a baseline contrast to somatic and integrative approaches.Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mentioned as a component within some CBT frameworks; emotion-centered work in psychotherapy.Mindfulness & Body Scanning Practices to reconnect with the physical self and build emotional regulation.***Books & Authors Referenced:“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk Seminal work on trauma, memory, and somatic healing.“Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend Recommended for advocates and clinicians navigating emotional limits in caregiving roles.Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) Referenced for her writings on empathy and embodiment in therapeutic relationships.***Clinical Directories & Tools:Psychology Today Therapist Directory www.psychologytoday.com Use filters to find therapists who specialize in chronic pain, trauma, and who accept Medicaid or specific insurance.

 Dr. Linda Bluestein shares her extraordinary medical and personal journey through the underrecognized world of connective tissue disorders, particularly hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). Initially trained as an anesthesiologist, Dr. Bluestein faced a lifetime of unexplained symptoms—ranging from joint pain and allergies to abdominal issues and severe fatigue—before being properly diagnosed in her 40s. After experiencing medical gaslighting and dismissiveness, even as a physician herself, she finally received clarity and validation from a thorough and compassionate rheumatologist. That turning point led her to launch Hypermobility MD, a specialized clinic dedicated to patients with connective tissue disorders.Throughout the interview, Dr. Bluestein explains what hypermobility is, how it can present both as benign flexibility and as a disabling multi-systemic condition. She demystifies common tools like the Beighton score and five-point questionnaire, and clarifies why many patients are missed under current diagnostic criteria. She also outlines the broader symptoms—GI issues, mast cell activation, fatigue, and pain—that often go unrecognized and misattributed. Her clinic offers in-depth assessments and long appointments that are not possible in traditional insurance-based practices.In addition to her medical clinic, Dr. Bluestein runs a virtual coaching business through Bendy Bodies, where she helps clients worldwide understand their conditions, arm themselves with the right questions for their doctors, and access targeted resources including supplements and treatment suggestions. Her podcast, also called Bendy Bodies, features over 150 episodes of interviews with experts across gynecology, gastroenterology, physical therapy, and pain neuroscience. Dr. Bluestein’s goal is clear: to bring awareness, empowerment, and practical strategies to the millions suffering silently from connective tissue disorders, many of whom have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or traumatized by the healthcare system.***Resources & Links Mentioned www.hypermobilitymd.com www.bendybodiespodcast.com www.hypermobilitymd.substack.com Coaching and one-on-one education available via Services tab on www.hypermobilitymd.com***Medical Tools & Concepts Explained Beighton Score – A nine-point physical exam for assessing joint hypermobility Five Point Questionnaire – A simple screening tool capturing hypermobility symptoms from youth to adulthood Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) – A connective tissue disorder affecting joint stability, skin elasticity, and other body systems Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) – A group of disorders related to joint hypermobility without meeting full criteria for hEDS Tarlov Cyst – A fluid-filled sac affecting the nerves in the spinal cord, more common in patients with connective tissue disorders Mast Cell Activation – An immune response issue often comorbid with EDS that contributes to allergies, GI symptoms, and sensitivities Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – A chronic pain condition that arose post-surgery for Dr. Bluestein, shifting her career toward advocacy***Clinics, Practices, & Coaching Hypermobility MD – Dr. Bluestein’s out-of-pocket medical practice offering extended diagnostic visits and treatment plans for connective tissue disorders Bendy Bodies Coaching – Virtual, educational coaching sessions for clients worldwide who are unable to travel to her clinic

In this episode, Shelbey Arevalo shares her powerful mission as a national dental advocate and consultant. She has spent over 15 years in the dental industry and now dedicates herself to bridging the communication and access gap between patients and dental providers. Through her nonprofit, National Dental Advocacy, she offers services that include virtual consultations, billing and coding support, and direct advocacy in complex dental cases.Shelbey explains how misunderstandings between providers and patients often arise from poorly trained support staff or unclear communication, not from any lack of care by the dentists themselves. She emphasizes her commitment to unbiased advocacy, helping patients navigate billing questions, treatment plans, and provider searches with full transparency.Her unique position as both a certified patient advocate and a dental billing expert allows her to improve outcomes for both parties. From assisting patients virtually at appointments to working with mobile dentistry providers in California, Shelbey’s work is deeply personal and passionately executed. She hopes to scale the nonprofit, train new advocates, and create a fully funded, nationwide service model.The conversation closes with advice for patients: assume good intentions, ask questions, and know your dentist likely cares more than you think.Resources Mentioned:Website: https://www.nationaldentaladvocacy.orgPhone: 707-ASK-NDAPAmerican Dental Association courses: https://www.ada.orgSleep apnea and cross-coding billing training

Kristen Miller is a healthcare delivery researcher with nearly two decades of experience working with MedStar Health. Her work focuses on improving how care is delivered across all phases of the patient journey, from preparation before appointments to follow-up after visits. Unlike traditional bench science, her research emphasizes real-world tools and systems designed to help providers and patients make safer, more informed decisions.She emphasizes the importance of tools tailored to various stages of care: pre-encounter preparation, in-visit communication, and post-visit follow-up. Her team is working on simple, accessible aids, such as cue cards and checklists, to help patients describe symptoms more effectively. She also highlighted the widespread issue of diagnostic errors, noting that one in 20 people will experience one in primary care annually, and that all patients are likely to face at least one in their lifetime.Kristen Miller is a fantastic presenter. She has appeared live at numerous conferences, including PULSE’s Pulse's Family-Centered Patient Advocacy Training New York this past March. Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:Be the Expert on You (tool from MedStar and AHRQ)PatientPartneredDCE.orgECRI Top 10 Patient Safety ConcernsChatGPT (mentioned in context of AI usage)Timestamps of Important Moments in the Podcast: 00:51 Kristen explains her focus on healthcare delivery research 03:27 Description of clinical decision support tools for providers 06:14 The evolution of risk tools from provider to patient use 08:28 Kristen discusses medical gaslighting and patient dismissal 12:55 Diagnostic errors in primary care and patient lifetime risk 14:56 “Be the Expert on You” tool and symptom description training 17:32 Adapting patient tools to different needs and health literacy 21:31 Empowerment during the encounter, not just preparation 25:14 Discussion on types of AI tools and patient trust 31:53 Diagnostic safety as a core focus of medical care 35:03 Misdiagnosis of cardiovascular disease in women 38:47 Challenges of provider pattern recognition and AI comparison 39:56 PatientPartneredDCE.org and ways for advocates to participate 41:40 From patient education to full diagnostic empowerment

In this compelling interview, Kayla Thompson-Riviere, RN and Board Certified Patient Advocate, shares her journey from burned-out ICU nurse to the first and only independent advocate on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Confronted with the confusion surrounding the term "patient advocate"—often associated with hospital employees or free services—Kayla rebranded herself as a personal medical strategist. The new title not only clarifies her role but also subtly signals a paid, professional service. With deep roots in critical care, Kayla explains how her strategic, pattern-based approach to advocacy helps clients who are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed by their medical teams. Her Medical Roadmap service includes a 90-minute intake session, a written action plan, and a follow-up call—all for a flat fee—bringing much-needed clarity and predictability to a broken, opaque healthcare system.Kayla also speaks candidly about the personal heartbreak that pushed her toward advocacy: the traumatic loss of her daughter due to medical mismanagement during pregnancy. That experience became the fire behind Heard for Life, her advocacy practice whose acronym stands for Health Empowerment through Advocacy for Patients’ Rights and Dignities. Rather than focus solely on “done-for-you” services, Kayla leans into a “done-with-you” model that empowers blue-collar, DIY-minded patients to take action with strategic support. From offering flexible follow-up plans to partnering with billing advocates, she has created a scalable, transparent, and highly personalized care model that resonates with clients and fills a major gap in healthcare.***Resources & Links Mentioned www.heardforlife.com www.heardforlife.com/guide***Advocacy Services & Frameworks Mentioned Personal Medical Strategist – Kayla’s professional title reflecting a paid, strategic approach to navigating complex care Medical Roadmap – A flat-fee service that includes a 90-minute Zoom intake session, written action plan, and follow-up evaluation Flat Monthly Support – Optional ongoing strategy sessions with additional hourly services available as needed Flex-Up Hands-On Support – A scalable option for clients who need more direct involvement with tasks like insurance calls Heard for Life – Stands for Health Empowerment through Advocacy for Patients’ Rights and Dignities***Free Tools & Downloads Doctor Appointment Strategy Guide – A free two-part resource available at www.heardforlife.com/guide that includes a downloadable PDF and a bonus strategy call with Kayla***Business & Marketing Insights Kayla transitioned away from the term “independent patient advocate” due to public confusion and opted for “personal medical strategist” to better communicate her role and pricing Her core client base includes people who are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or feeling abandoned by the system—what she calls “medical misfits” Her model is designed to empower rather than enable, and her transparent flat-fee structure builds trust while offering flexibility based on each client’s needs

In this episode of Patient Advocacy Now, we sit down with Teri Frykenberg, a nationally recognized leader in patient advocacy and patient safety. With a background as an ICU nurse, a three-time author, a newspaper columnist, and a serial entrepreneur in the patient advocacy space, Teri brings a wealth of experience and insight into the evolving challenges of healthcare.Teri shares her personal journey into patient advocacy, which began with a near-tragic medical emergency involving her own family. She explains how her frustration with hospital bureaucracy and mismanagement led her to leave nursing and start her own advocacy company, despite having no formal business background. She also addresses the growing demand for advocacy services through her training programs at NurseAdvocateEntrepreneur.comIf you're a nurse or doctor considering a shift into patient advocacy, or if you're interested in how to navigate the healthcare system more effectively, this episode is packed with invaluable insights from one of the foremost experts in the field.

In this thought-provoking episode of Patient Advocacy Now, we sit down with Nancy Ruffner, a trailblazer in patient advocacy and a passionate advocate for solo agers. Nancy shares her inspiring journey from social work to private patient advocacy, reflecting on how personal caregiving experiences shaped her mission to guide others through the complex healthcare system. With a sharp focus on aging without traditional caregivers, Nancy unpacks critical issues like medical missteps, legal planning, financial readiness, and the need for stronger community support. Along the way, she offers insights into the evolving role of technology, the challenges of navigating elder care, and the creative solutions that empower solo agers to thrive. Nancy Ruffner is a leader when it comes to advocating for and teaching about the needs of Solo Agers. As a professional with an intense and in-depth background about the needs of Aging Orphans, Nancy’s work involves incredible ethics and loyalty to her clients. Whether you're facing your own healthcare challenges or seeking to understand the broader implications of solo aging, Nancy’s wisdom and actionable advice make this episode a must-listen.

In this heartfelt episode of Patient Advocacy Now, Dr. Chris Price, a retired cardiologist turned patient advocate, shares his incredible journey of resilience, service, and transformation. Known for his calm demeanor during medical emergencies, Dr. Chris discusses how his health struggles, including autoimmune challenges, inspired him to deepen his commitment to patient advocacy.Drawing from over two decades in cardiology, he offers a unique perspective on empowering patients, navigating the complexities of informed consent, and understanding one’s own body. Dr. Chris also highlights the systemic issues in healthcare, the critical role of advocacy, and his mission to make support more accessible to all.After experiencing a health issue leading to his early retirement, Dr. Chris became even more interested in patient advocacy. He started his own business to continue this passion and serve others in Washington State and beyond. He received his MD from Creighton University School of Medicine and his BS from Santa Clara University. With warmth and wisdom, this episode sheds light on humanity in healthcare and how advocates like Dr. Chris bring clarity in times of crisis. Please join us and listen to this expansive interview with Dr. Chris and how his experiences led to his knowledge and contribution to the Independent Patient Advocacy profession.

In this powerful episode of Patient Advocacy Now, Lisa Berry Blackstock, founder of Soul Sherpa, shares her remarkable journey from estate administrator to trailblazing patient advocate. Lisa opens up about her personal battle with misdiagnosis and debilitating chronic pain, culminating in life-changing brain surgery that transformed her perspective on healthcare. Drawing from her legal and medical advocacy expertise, she discusses the importance of life care planning, navigating insurance battles, and advocating for patients dismissed by the system. As a graduate of Stanford University in 1982, Lisa uses her knowledge of the business and political factors that shape healthcare. Her attention to detail is unsurpassed, allowing her to often discover errors made in haste or overlooked by other professionals. The result is appropriate quality healthcare, satisfaction, and financial savings for her clients.  Lisa's holistic approach connects the dots between healthcare, legal, and financial planning, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and compassionate support. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or professional, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating healthcare's complexities with resilience and purpose.

In this enlightening episode of Patient Advocacy Now, we explore the vital intersection of healthcare, legal expertise, and patient advocacy with Barbara Gaynor, a seasoned registered nurse and Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC). With over 25 years of experience spanning various medical disciplines, Barbara offers a unique perspective on how LNCs can bridge gaps in patient care and legal processes. From advocating for vulnerable patients in hospitals to ensuring comprehensive post-discharge support, Barbara's passion for communication and patient rights shines through. She shares compelling stories of navigating complex medical systems, the crucial role of advanced directives, and her work supporting clients through personal and systemic healthcare challenges. As a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, she guides clients through the complexities of the healthcare system, empowering them to handle issues as they arise. Her services include accompanying clients to medical visits, developing questions for appointments, arranging reliable transportation, and organizing essential healthcare records.She also talks about an interesting and positive result while handling a Greater National Advocates connection with a blind person who needed significant patient advocacy and supportive care before, during, and after open heart surgery. It’s a great story about an amazing compilation. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or patient, this episode delivers invaluable insights into patient-centered advocacy and the evolving field of healthcare support.

Christy Snodgrass is a registered nurse, turned healthcare reformer and patient advocate. While working in the hospital she witnessed firsthand how the complexity and lack of transparency in healthcare placed a huge burden on healthcare workers and patients. She has since built a social media platform of over 800,000 followers where she sheds light on these issues and provides the public with resources to help them navigate our difficult healthcare system.Christy represents a new generation of advocates, and her platform has already gone a long way toward exposing the need for advocacy. This brings us to another reason we’re featuring Christy. The Healthcare Advocate Summit in Las Vegas is quickly approaching, and one of the benefits of the summit is the chance to learn about the profession, even if you’re not yet an advocate. This season 2 finale episode provides a different perspective of the profession from the standpoint of someone who uses social media to promote Independent Patient Advocacy for the benefit of the entire profession. 

Rachel Westlake was a teenage kid with long, curly, red hair when she was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma at the age of 15. During more than a year of experimental treatment protocols, Rachel began to understand her own mortality, something none of her peers had any concerns about whatsoever. She beat the cancer and learned the importance of self-advocacy along the way. In 2015, she received another cancer diagnosis while living in a “healthcare desert.”  Using her acquired self-advocacy skills, Rachel called on her old oncology team in NY. She got them on board, underwent a stem cell transplant, and beat cancer for the second time.  Today, Rachel is a dedicated health care advocate focused on creating compassionate, personalized, and inclusive care systems. As a self-advocacy expert and educator, she assists organizations in implementing patient-centered strategies to enhance care outcomes and foster collaborative cultures. She’s also an instrumental force behind CHCAO, the Coalition of Healthcare Advocacy Organizations.Listen in as Rachel walks listeners through her highly personal medical and emotional journey that includes beating cancer twice and confronting the death of her father by suicide. Rachel’s life experiences gave her the courage and strength to identify others who needed help, and she was inspired to help as many as possible. Rachel discovered the profession of healthcare advocacy and dove in, realizing the impact she could have as a BCPA.Through Rachel Westlake Consulting, LLC (RWC), she specializes in self-advocacy education, connecting patients, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders. Her background in coalition leadership, startup strategy, product development, and research informs her balanced, partnership-driven approach to addressing patient and healthcare community needs.

On this episode, we talk with Nan Wetherhorn, a South Florida Independent Patient Advocate and nurse since 1976, who learned the importance of advocacy during her mom’s battle with cancer. Nan’s mom was a pharmacist and was more than capable of understanding her diagnosis and her treatment options. But patients can rarely effectively advocate for themselves, so Nan was the one who discussed all the health issues with her mom and her doctor. She became a part of the "team" as do most family members.As an Intensive Care Unit nurse for more than 30 years, and with experience in pediatric and adult patients in cardiac care, neurology, surgery, and trauma, her mission today is to provide education, resources, and tools so patients can make educated, informed decisions about their healthcare. Nan’s robust clinical background makes it easy for her to participate in discussions with health care providers and relay complicated medical information to her clients in a clear, simple, comprehensive language they can easily understand.Nan traveled the world as nurse well before the concept of travel nursing was commonplace. From neonatal ICU nursing in Switzerland to positions in France and North Africa, Nan has experienced many different approaches to healthcare and patient safety around the globe. Those experiences helped shape her perspective, making her an amazing ally for patients and families in head of healthcare guidance and support.

Listen in as we sit down with Karen Curtiss, a Board-Certified Patient Advocate whose journey into patient advocacy started with her quest for a lung transplant to save her dad's life. Karen was working in advertising and marketing at the time, but she dropped everything to advocate for her dad who was near death from pulmonary fibrosis and beyond the transplant cut-off age in most hospitals. Karen was relentless in her determination to get her father’s medical records to the #1 transplant facility in the world, convincing them that her dad was the ideal candidate for the lifesaving lung transplant he received at age 72. But everything took a turn for the worse when inadequate hospital safety measures resulted in her father’s passing. Since then, Karen has been on a quest to help other patients and families access and navigate our complicated health care system for the care they need. She is the founder and Executive Director of The Care Partner Project, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that develops and implements evidence-based tools and resources for both families and providers in order to support safe care practices and prevent harm in hospital settings. Karen is a respected patient advocate and patient safety leader, and her story has inspired countless advocates, healthcare clinicians, hospitals, and policy leaders. Her strong track record of collaborating with other health care leaders and innovators including The Patient Safety Movement Foundation and as a study advisor at Harvard Medical School makes her a compelling and knowledgeable voice for the profession. Don’t miss this engaging and informative interview with one of the premier leaders in Independent Patient Advocacy and patient safety.  

In this episode of Patient Advocacy Now, we speak with Nicole Broadhurst, the founder of Tennessee Health Advocates. Nicole's practice is focused on medical billing, and she provides her clients with the tools needed to decode their healthcare charges, empowering them to take charge of their medical expenses and enhance their quality of life. Join us as Nicole Broadhurst shares her journey from a former Practice Administrator to a revered Independent Patient Advocate. Learn how she's enabling professionals to maintain work-life balance and take control of their medical expenses without the hassle of traditional billing departments. After dedicating over two decades to the healthcare industry, Nicole Broadhurst identified a critical flaw: the system was profoundly patient-unfriendly, particularly when it came to navigating the convoluted billing process. This realization drove her to establish Tennessee Health Advocates. By mitigating the stress and confusion associated with medical bills, her organization ensures that patients can concentrate on their recovery rather than their finances. Under her leadership, Tennessee Health Advocates not only alleviates billing pains but also ensures that clients never overpay.Nicole believes that every patient deserves an advocate. But, she’s also a champion for the advocacy profession. She understands the need for a robust network of colleagues because of her firm conviction that every advocate deserves a thriving practice. She’ll introduce listeners to “The Circle,” her contribution to the advocacy profession that empowers Independent Patient Advocates with the support and community they need to thrive in the field.

This week, we’re joined by Rajitha Bommakanti, an Independent Patient Advocate and lifestyle coach.  Raji was a practicing nurse for more than 30 years, and she now combines her clinical skills with holistic coaching to help change habits and achieve lifestyle goals. During our conversation, Rajitha delves into her utilization of evidence-based practices in coaching and how she empowers her clients to embrace lifestyle changes to achieve a vibrant, healthy life.  You’ll also learn how she collaborates closely with her clients on their journey toward lifestyle transformation.With a focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Raji embodies the essence of what it means to be a Wellness and Lifestyle advocate, and her practice aligns with the principles of Independent Patient Advocacy. Raaji is dedicated to keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital. She understands the patient’s experience from working inside the medical system, and she offers tools and resources to help them improve and sustain their health. As the founder of the Healthy You Lifestyle Center, Raji is able to practice her passion every day. Her enthusiasm is especially evident when she sees the remarkable transformations in her clients. 

Dr. Alan Feren is a former MD who is now practicing as an Independent Patient Advocate. In this episode, Dr. Feren shares his long and impressive journey of perseverance, integrity, and advocacy. As a general surgeon, Dr. Feren was always an advocate for his patients. He took on the tough cases that nobody else wanted to touch. His approach from day one has been to demystify medical jargon, making information accessible and comprehensible for patients and their families.After 12 years practicing general surgery, Dr. Feren became Patient Feren. He underwent spinal surgery that failed, leaving him in a body cast for a full year. He was forced to pivot from practicing surgery and was recruited to write actuarial guidelines for an HMO. He refers to his HMO consultancy as working for the dark side, although he eventually became medical director. Another health condition- this time a heart condition requiring coronary bypass- was the impetus for his next series of career changes. Dr. Feren became a lifestyle consultant, then moved on to risk mitigation, and patient engagement and empowerment. He worked for private equity startups and ultimately became an Independent Patient Advocate during the Covid pandemic. This is an in-depth and candid discussion with an esteemed physician who became a passionate and life-saving advocate. You’ll hear about Dr. Feren’s service as an Air Force surgeon, his opinions on the difference between quality medical information websites and “Dr. Google,” and how he approaches his role as an advocate and the fine line he must walk. Dr. Feren advocates for informed, empowered patients who actively participate in their healthcare decisions, embodying the critical intersection of medicine, advocacy, and compassion in patient care.This podcast reveals the unlimited potential for Independent Patient Advocacy and the opportunities available for physicians to use their unsurpassed knowledge of the medical system to help those who are struggling within it. 

For so many independent patient advocates, it can be a scary proposition to go it alone.In this episode, we hear from two good friends from Omaha, Nebraska who joinedforces and combined their unique individual skills to create a rewarding, impactful, andfun patient advocacy practice.Nicky Wik has a long history working on the administrative side of healthcare, learningthe business of medicine and overseeing quality control for physical therapy clinics. Shewas awakened to the need for advocacy when nobody followed up with her father afterhe was tested following chest pains. She learned that you can never assume thehealthcare system is going to do their job. She met Becky Korinek, a teacher who wasserving lunch Nicky’s kindergartener. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out howthey connected.In our discussion, Nicky and Becky describe how they started their practice, who theyserve, what they do, how they get the word out about advocacy in Omaha, and theimportance of staying connected with other advocates. Most importantly, Nicky andBecky are in lock step when it comes to the need for effective communication withphysicians. That’s why their clients become part of the family. Establishing client trustensures that advocates are best able to help them inform to healthcare teams what they should know.

Claudia is a clinical pharmacist by training and patient advocate by passion. After over a decade of working inside the healthcare system, she faced her father's cancer diagnosis and later passing. This experience provided her with a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to navigate our modern healthcare system. She decided to do for others what she did for her father and founded Peace Advocacy Group in 2017.Claudia’s approach to advocacy is in line with her philosophy: “Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being.” But, Claudia’s life passion and mission is for every individual who crosses her path to leave with a heightened state of wellness. We had a lot to talk about with Claudia including her career, her vision, her podcast, and her upcoming book! Enjoy this jam-packed interview with Claudia Cometa, PharmD. 

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Taylor discusses her journey into patient advocacy, stemming from her background as a pharmacist with a passion for personalized healthcare. Dr. Taylor emphasizes the importance of pharmacists as patient advocates and highlights her transition from behind the pharmacy counter to independent patient advocacy, driven by a desire to establish deeper connections with her patients beyond corporate demands. She shares personal anecdotes and experiences that shaped her approach, illustrating her commitment to providing relief, confidence, and control to individuals navigating the healthcare system.As an advocate, Dr. Taylor specializes in designing personalized healthcare action plans for various clients, including busy professionals and individuals facing healthcare crises or preventive care needs. She stresses the significance of hope as a foundation for these plans, which encompass diverse elements such as medication management, lifestyle changes, and disease education. Dr. Taylor's approach is tailored to each client's unique goals and circumstances, aiming to empower them with confidence and control over their healthcare journey. She emphasizes the importance of regular medication reconciliation and collaborative communication among healthcare providers to mitigate risks associated with polypharmacy and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

In this episode of the Patient Advocacy Now podcast, we sit down with Sandra L. Washington, founder of the C.H.L.M.S. Medi-Helpz Foundation, an organization committed to patient advocacy and empowerment. Sandra L., with a background in public policy and healthcare administration, shares her journey and the impetus behind her advocacy work. Motivated by the tragic experiences of losing two sisters due to mismanagement of medical care, Sandra discusses the foundation's mission to provide support and resources for vulnerable communities that often lack access to proper healthcare. She delves into the challenges faced by patient advocates, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and engagement to empower patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes.Sandra also provides insights into the foundation's approach, combining a for-profit model under Medi-Helpz with a non-profit arm, C.H.L.M.S., to ensure that advocacy services are accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints. She reflects on the three essential components of patient advocacy: education, empowerment, and engagement, stressing the need for patients to be informed and active participants in their healthcare journey. Sandra L. shares her vision for expanding the impact of C.H.L.M.S. Medi-Helpz nationally and even globally, highlighting the significance of collaboration and community involvement in addressing healthcare disparities. 

In this short preview we share some snippets of the exciting interviews we have in store for Season 2 of the Patient Advocacy Now Podcast 

In this episode we take a look back at some of our most memorable moments from our inaugural season of the podcast and even get a bit of a sneak peak of what's to come in season 2. 

In this Season 1 finale, we speak with Ilene Corina, a patient advocate with over 25 years of experience. Ilene shares her personal journey, which began with the tragic loss of her three-year-old son after a tonsillectomy due to medical errors. This heartbreaking experience motivated her to become an advocate for patient safety. She also highlights her work with various communities, including those with disabilities, transgender individuals, and homeless patients, shedding light on the biases and challenges they face within the healthcare system. Ilene emphasizes the importance of advocacy in ensuring patient safety, reducing medical errors, and improving communication between healthcare providers and patients.Ilene discusses the training and certification process for patient advocates, including the board-certified patient advocate (BCPA) designation. She emphasizes the need for empathy, effective communication, and a focus on patient safety in advocate training. The episode touches on common medical errors, such as medication mix-ups and wrong-side surgeries, and Ilene provides valuable tips on how patients and their advocates can address these issues.

In this episode, we talk with Sylvia Reisman, whose passion for patient advocacy began in 1998 when she was researching treatment options for her father who was a five year survivor of stage III pancreatic cancer. ​In 2006, she became mysteriously ill and ran from doctor to doctor, consulting with a long list of specialists in multiple states before  finally being properly diagnosed with Lyme Disease several years later. She became convinced that if she had a knowledgeable professional patient advocate to help her 15 years ago, it would have saved her thousands of dollars, unnecessary suffering, and a timely diagnosis.​Following her Lyme Disease diagnosis, Sylvia became an avid researcher and discovered functional medicine, a treatment approach that goes outside traditional boundaries to identify the root causes of a medical condition. After experiencing the benefits of functional medicine, she felt a sense of obligation to help people with chronic medical conditions like hers.She started Purity Patient Advocates LLC, a patient advocacy service that replicates the navigation process she learned from her own personal experiences. Please enjoy this engaging interview with a self-made advocate who started her advocacy practice i8n order to help prevent others with complex medical conditions find answers when the formal health system simply is ineffective.

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Emily Bernstein, who shares her journey into patient advocacy. Emily's advocacy work began when her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2019. Her mother's challenging path to diagnosis and treatment inspired Emily to get involved in helping others navigate the complex healthcare system. Emily's experience as the eldest daughter and her background in international education and customer service equipped her with the skills to negotiate with medical professionals, work with billing departments, and provide support outside the medical system.As an advocate, Emily has specialized in medical billing advocacy, aiming to bridge the gap between patients and billing departments. She also works with refugees, primarily Haitians, helping them navigate the U.S. healthcare system and connect with vital resources. Her ultimate goal is to create a center that offers comprehensive support to those in need. Emily also discusses her certification as a community health worker, which complements her patient advocacy work, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds.Emily's story underscores the vital role that patient advocates play in helping people overcome healthcare challenges, and her work with refugees adds an important layer of cultural competence to her advocacy efforts.

In this episode of the Patient Advocacy Now Podcast, Terry McLellan, a seasoned patient advocate, shares her journey from nursing to becoming an independent patient advocate. Her transition was fueled by her experiences as a travel home health nurse, where she identified a significant need for patient advocacy, particularly among older individuals in RV parks. This realization, coupled with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired her to establish her own advocacy practice in December 2020.Terry emphasizes the importance of patients having access to information about their medical treatments and medications. She also discusses her efforts to work with local lawmakers to create legislation allowing patients to have independent advocates, particularly in hospitals where information sharing can be problematic. Building strong relationships with hospital staff, such as nurses, is a key component of ensuring patients receive the best possible care.Terry further highlights the growing role of patient advocates and the need for stronger advocacy in the evolving healthcare system. She mentions the significant growth in attendance at the Healthcare Advocate Summit, underscoring the rising recognition of the need for patient advocates

In this podcast episode, we sit down with Tina Hurley, a board-certified physician associate with extensive experience in vascular surgery, acute care medicine, and wound care. Tina’s medical career involved treating diabetic patients and performing amputations, until she herself became an amputee.This exciting interview reveals Tina’s journey from medical professional to amputee, and eventually into advocacy. She discusses the challenges and barriers faced by amputees in navigating the healthcare system and the lack of support for their unique needs. Tina emphasizes the importance of education, mental health support, and community in the recovery and rehabilitation of amputees.Tina is the founder and CEO of "Less Leg More Heart,” a nonprofit organization that provides education, mentorship, advocacy, and funding to help amputees physically, emotionally, and financially. She explains the significance of understanding, connecting, and funding as the primary needs of amputees. The conversation sheds light on the mental health challenges amputees face, the importance of psychotherapy, and the role of community and support in their recovery. 

Adriane Carrier is an advocate for social justice and health equality with a diverse background in healthcare. In this episode, we discuss her journey from activism during the HIV AIDS crisis in the 1980s to working as a registered nurse and eventually pivoting to becoming a private, independent patient advocate. Adriane highlights her experiences in dealing with healthcare policy, regulatory complaints, and safety standards, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of improving working conditions for healthcare workers to enhance patient care and safety. Adriane also touches on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities in healthcare and the need for health equity.Adriane's broad expertise allows her to assist clients in various ways, such as providing clinical decision support, medical billing assistance, and navigating healthcare systems. She emphasizes the importance of understanding health insurance coverage and regulations, especially for those with elderly family members who may require healthcare support. Adriane's advocacy work extends to addressing violence in healthcare settings, an issue that often goes unreported, despite its direct impact on patient safety.

In this conversation with Molly Crowther, a board-certified independent patient advocate based in Berkeley, California, we trace Molly’s unconventional background in the software industry, where she worked on large systems, into the field of independent patient advocacy. Molly goes over her unique journey from the software industry, explaining her background in engineering and project management and how these unique experiences ultimately led her to advocacy. She also shares her experiences working in educational publishing, energy efficiency, business-to-business events, and software infrastructure.We take a deep dive into Molly's advocacy work, which includes supporting transgender individuals in navigating the healthcare system. Molly discusses the challenges faced by transgender people when seeking gender-affirming care and the need for education and sensitivity training within the healthcare system. Molly also shares her vision for the future, emphasizing the potential for advocacy to be offered as an employee benefit by organizations. She believes that advocacy services can relieve the burden on employees, allowing them to focus on their work and overall well-being.Molly's approach to advocacy is characterized by listening to her clients, understanding their unique needs and barriers, and helping them achieve their healthcare goals.

Meet Morgan Kelley, a patient advocate based in Chicago who uses social media to educate people about healthcare and health insurance issues. Morgan discusses how she leverages platforms like TikTok to reach a wide audience and provide education on health insurance terminology and how health insurance works in practice. She shares personal stories about her experiences navigating the healthcare system and adds humor to her content, particularly highlighting the frustrations of dealing with insurance companies and making difficult phone calls.But, Morgan is much more than a TikTok advocate. In her professional Independent Patient Advocacy practice, she helps individuals understand their health insurance benefits, reviews explanation of benefits statements, and negotiates medical bills from nonprofit hospitals. She also assists people in choosing suitable health insurance plans. Morgan emphasizes the importance of financial education in healthcare and aims to bridge the knowledge gap between patients and providers. 

Debby Deutsch is a Board Certified Patient Advocate who entered healthcare as a hospital chaplain before she became a devoted and passionate hospice worker. As is often the case for Independent Patient Advocates, personal and professional experiences collided, and Debby started to explore her future. She stumbled upon the Center for Patient Partnerships at UW Madison where she earned a professional certificate in Consumer Advocacy. She soon became the first cohort of BCPA recipients in 2018.Additionally, she has founded and leads a team of nursing, case management and medical billing advocates in her private practice. She has been serving members of Gilda’s Club Madison as a Patient Advocate since 2016. Debby is currently also on staff as a Resource Specialist with the Cancer Support Community Helpline. Listen to this enlightening discussion about Debby’s nontraditional entry into Independent Patient Advocacy and discover the many opportunities for anyone with experience in any aspect of healthcare can make the transition into a rewarding career in advocacy.

This highly personal conversation reveals how Deidre was inspired by GOD to help others understand their personal medical journeys and how to collaborate with their healthcare team. That spiritual inspiration led Deidra to begin a patient advocacy business, Your Healthcare Nurse Advocates. Her team of specialty nurses are all certified patient advocates who serve as the patient’s trusted advisor, empowering and educating them on how to take control of their healthcare choices. As a nurse for 20 years, Deidra witnessed firsthand the many obstacles patients face when trying to receive their treatments. From working in the intensive care unit to specialty home health settings- often with immunocompromised patients on infusion treatments- she recognized a large gap in today’s healthcare system. “Hospital administration is not exactly geared toward the experience of the patient who’s trying to navigate the healthcare system,” Deidra explains. Deidre always felt that the healthcare system can be an intimidating world for those who are not healthcare professionals. She says the commonly used phrase, “we treat you, then we street you” sums up this problem: healthcare providers often treat patients, then send them back to their caregivers and families with a quick recap of what happened during their hospital stay, and discharge instructions that are often lengthy and complex. 

This is the story of a rural EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) who made the career decision to become an Independent Patient Advocate after his young daughter’s misdiagnosis. Jeff Byars is a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) in Cullman, Alabama. Like so many professional advocates, Jeff knew the healthcare system from both sides. Not only was he a first responder for 30 years, he also worked in healthcare reimbursement with direct access to administration. Jeff thought that when his daughter entered the healthcare system, he had the knowledge and experience to handle it. Jeff’s story is indeed inspirational, but it also embodies the essence of what it takes to be an Independent Patient Advocate. It’s all about using your skills and life experiences to help others. Jeff’s entry into the profession demonstrates the wide range of specialties, training, and life experiences that make up this emerging profession, and should encourage healthcare providers and administrators everywhere to recognize how viable and rewarding a career in advocacy can be. Please enjoy this candid discussion about the personal and professional life of the 2022 Independent Patient Advocate of the Year.   

A social worker and nonprofit agency Director for many years, Avrom Fox was inspired to enter into patient advocacy because of his daughter, who was born with special needs. He advocated for her fiercely for 44 years, since the day she was born, and he fought insurance companies to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in denied claims. Today, she leads a life of meaning and quality.Avrom eventually earned an MSW and completed a Graduate Certificate program in Patient Advocacy, but his real life experience advocating for his own child was his most effective training for patient advocacy. Mr. Fox considers himself a specialist in mental health, behavioral disorders, and psychiatric issues, and Avrom views his role to be their champion and serve as an advocate under extremely difficult circumstances. He’s accompanied people to out of town residential programs and helped them become stabilized by referring them to the most appropriate providers who can assist them upon returning home. Mr. Fox has extensive expertise in negotiating medical insurance bills and appeals; guiding and directing clients to find the best health insurance and long term care insurance coverage; helping with medicare and medicaid; and assisting with selecting nursing homes, and other long term settings for patients and their loved ones. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Avi’s advocacy practice is his vision for the profession and his unwavering belief that everyone deserves an advocate, regardless of location, status, or financial means. Avrom does not value a client based on the ability to pay a fee; rather he views working with a client as his means of inspiring and helping his fellow man.  

Rebeka Acosta is the mother of two teenagers born with congenital illnesses. Having worked in hospital systems and for a large insurance company, while caring for the complex medical needs of her family, she took took the leap into Independent Patient Advocacy. Today, she’s on a mission to prepare generations of patients and families to be informed health consumers, by providing free health navigation, advocacy, and education services. 

After decades as an ICU nurse where she bore witness to the failings of the healthcare system, Karen Mercereau, RN, iRNPA made a defining decision that laid the groundwork for the field of Independent Patient Advocacy.  She left clinical nursing to focus her attention on developing a new practice model designed to safely guide patients through the challenges of a broken system. As a pioneer and educator, Karen’s science-based iRNPA curriculum has served as a roadmap for hundreds of nursing professionals who apply her integrated approach to advocacy on a daily basis.