Why Use a Personal Patient Advocate?

My Personal Story…

In 2021, my brother-in-law, who had suffered from diverticulitis for years, began experiencing symptoms and went to a nearby hospital. However, the hospital made him wait for days before they were able to schedule his surgery. By the time they attended to him, his condition had worsened, and he was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a ventilator. Living miles away, I contacted the hospital to get more information on my brother-in-law’s status. The doctor on duty informed me that my brother-in-law would likely pass that night and that they needed someone to make decisions for him. He did not have a wife or any children to make those types of decisions. His closest sibling was his older brother, whom he was living with, but he hated hospitals and didn’t want to visit due to COVID-19. My husband and I got into the car and drove three hours to the hospital. When we arrived, the staff explained the severity of my brother-in-law’s condition and asked us to consider stopping his care management, as they believed he wouldn’t make it. Though his vital signs were not promising, I didn’t believe he would pass that night. I felt he was fighting for his life and wanted me to fight for him as well. I told the hospital staff to continue his care management and insisted that they keep my brother-in-law on full code (meaning that if his heart stopped beating or if he stopped breathing, all resuscitation procedures should be provided to keep him alive). The hospital was quick to consider pulling the plug, but I held onto hope. My brother-in-law held on for ten more days before he passed away. After losing my mother, father, and brother-in-law in hospitals, I believe it is my calling to advocate for patients and families, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system.

Mental Health Advocacy – Fighting For Patient Rights

During my time in graduate school, I was given the opportunity to undertake an administrative internship at a behavioral health hospital. This experience allowed me to actively engage in the hospital’s Quality Program, which focused on incident reports and patient safety. Listening to the concerns voiced by patients and their families gave me insight into the emotional and socioeconomic factors that impact patient safety within mental health and substance abuse facilities. Recognizing the crucial need for mental health advocacy, I felt compelled to take action. It was no longer just a professional obligation but a personal commitment to ensure that every individual stepping through the doors of the facility received compassionate, high-quality care that respected and upheld their fundamental rights and dignity without any compromise. In doing so, I sought to cultivate an environment where patients felt safe, valued, and empowered in their journey towards healing and recovery.

Why I Became A Professional Patient Advocate?

I became a patient advocate after working in the healthcare system and witnessing the challenges that patients and their families face. Through my experiences, I saw firsthand the gaps in communication, the complexities of medical decision-making, and the emotional toll it takes on families. I even had to advocate for my own family members to ensure they received the proper care and attention they deserved. These experiences fueled my determination to make a difference. As a patient advocate, my mission is to provide support, guidance, and a voice to those navigating the healthcare system, ensuring that no one feels alone or overwhelmed during their healthcare journey.