• My geographical area of practice is Boston, MA

My mother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2004 - and, I have acted as her healthcare advocate since that time. Initially, it was my way of coping with her life-threatening illness. I watched over her like a hawk and I would not leave her side. I needed to understand everything that was going on in order to deal with her diagnosis. It did not take long for me to trust my instincts when something did not make sense to me. I quickly realized that although I do not have a background in medicine, I excelled as an advocate (likely due my background in engineering - and, the way in which I process information). I quickly learned how to navigate the complex healthcare system in terms of ensuring that my mother received the proper care, that mistakes were not made, and that my family understood what precautions that we needed to take to ensure the health and safety of my mother (whether in the hospital, rehabilitation facility, dialysis center, or at home).

My family and I know my mother better than anyone else. I want to help others to understand that this is extraordinarily powerful input into the treatment and care of their loved ones.

I have become extremely adept in terms of reconciling all available information on my mother to ensure that it is in alignment - and, that there are no discrepancies that could adversely impact her care - e.g., how she was actually treated in the hospital, how her discharge papers read, what prescriptions were sent to the pharmacy, etc. I created a dossier on my mother in the event that she had to be taken to the hospital and I could not accompany her. During COVID-19, this became extremely useful when I was not allowed to go into the hospital with my mother and oversee her care. To be honest, I was beside myself. Though, I quickly learned what I needed to do to ensure that my mother received the proper care in spite of the pandemic.

Medical professionals are increasingly pressed for time - and, the better able one is to maximize the time spent with them is of critical importance; an advocate can help you to do just this.

I had to go to the Emergency Room (ER) a few months ago and I overheard a nurse speaking to an elderly patient about her discharge. Since the ER was filled with COVID-19 patients, we were in the hallway. The patient had a complex array of medical conditions that required her to follow strict instructions in terms of at home care - and, with regard to the new medications that were being prescribed to her. I nearly interjected when I heard the nurse reviewing the instructions with the patient for various reasons (and, it was extremely difficult for me to refrain from doing so). Then the nurse asked the patient if she had any questions - and, my eyes filled with tears upon hearing her response, "How am I going to get home?"

In summary, there is a reason that everyone says that everyone should have an advocate - and, I do not want anyone who has a need for one to not have access to someone who can look out for their best interests or those of their loved ones.