Medical Advocacy: Professional and Personal Experience

My path to patient advocacy began straight out of college as a discharge planner and case manager for acute psychiatric patients in the greater East Tennessee area. As a former college athlete I found juggling multiple facilities, patients, referrals and personal needs surprisingly easy, albeit challenging. After relocating from Connecticut to Florida, I spent several years as a behavioral health case manager where I coordinated the medical and psychiatric services for more than sixty clients at a time. In that role, I was given the title of Medical Coordinator due to my skills to coordinate appointments, transportation, prescription management, insurance and link service providers for all sixty clients. 

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At the same time, I watched my aging parents face chronic illness from long distance. Being so far away made me realize how vulnerable people can be when managing health challenges without the needed support to help coordinate care, ask the right questions, and advocate for their specific needs. 

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Living in Florida, I began to witness friends attempt to manage medical issues with little to no family support. Those experiences helped me realize how critical it is to have someone in your corner that can help translate medical information, coordinate care, and make sure patients feel heard, supported, and empowered.

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Becoming a Board Certified Patient Advocate felt like a natural progression in my professional career. It allows me to combine my professional skills with my personal passion for helping people navigate healthcare with confidence, dignity, and the support required for the most vulnerable times in their lives.