The ever-increasing complexity of our medical system has made accessing quality health care very challenging. This reality has given birth to a new field called independent patient advocacy. Many people have heard of patient advocates but have only a vague idea of who they are and what they do. Patient advocates are usually nurses, sometimes doctors, and, occasionally, savvy individuals with no medical training but extensive personal experience with the medical world. Having a patient advocate by your side reduces the stress of a health crisis, at the very least, and can save your life at the most.

I am a patient advocate, and the following stories will give you an idea of what I do.