1) Found expert physicians
A 42 year old with breast cancer, cared for at a well-respected major medical institution, had been referred to a general surgeon rather than a breast surgeon for her mastectomy. I found her a renowned breast surgeon and got her an appointment in less than one week. Her initial HMO plastic surgeon did not perform the new reconstructive procedure, called DIEP, that she wanted, yet he declined to refer her to another surgeon. There were no doctors in her insurance network skilled in this procedure, yet with my coaching she was able to convince her insurance company to cover an out-of-network plastic surgeon who provided the procedure. 2) Helped make a medical decision
A woman in her 20s with severe Crohns disease was extremely distressed by a fistula which caused stool to leak into her underwear. After trying many different medicines, her surgeon was recommending a permanent colostomy (a bag attached to the abdomen that collects stool). Her medical doctor suggested trying more medicines before taking such a drastic step. The patient felt fearful and overwhelmed and could not make the decision. I spent several hours exploring her goals, concerns, and fears. I discovered some false assumptions (like assuming that having a colostomy would prevent her from having a child) and discussed, at length, her feelings about the surgery. I helped her identify questions that she needed to ask her doctors and issues to discuss with her family. With my guidance she was finally able to make the decision that was best for her. 3) Helped to understand treatment options
A man in his 50s had no symptoms but was found to be at risk of a heart attack. He needed a stent placed in one of his heart arteries and he was very frightened. Through internet searches he had learned about the two most common types of stents, each having different benefits and risks; he wanted to be well prepared for his upcoming cardiology appointment but he didn't know what to ask for. I researched the most recent medical studies regarding coronary stents and reviewed the opinions of expert cardiology organizations. I helped him to generate questions for his doctor, and after working with me he felt well prepared for his visit and much less afraid. 4) Helped navigate the medical system during a serious illness
A man in his 50s was being treated for oral cancer. I accompanied him to several doctor visits and helped to communicate his concerns to the doctors, clarify doctors’ instructions and advocate for the best treatment possible. While his cancer treatment was excellent, my participation significantly improved the care of his treatment related symptoms. I aggressively advocated for his comfort and improved the care of his pain, nausea, bowel functioning, and dehydration. 5) Empowered a patient to maximize his health
A man in his 40s with diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure and failing kidneys felt his health was spiraling out of control. He felt hopeless and powerless to stop his decline. I identified his most pressing health issues and referred him to expert practitioners. Through the use of acupuncture, nutritional counseling and aggressive medical management of his blood pressure, he was able to halt, and even reverse, the damage to his kidneys. 6) Helped diagnose and improve multiple, chronic, disabling symptoms
A woman in her 30s was disabled by severe chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue for several years. Despite multiple doctors and repeated hospitalizations she continued to suffer. I helped her to identify and treat unrecognized medical conditions such as severe anemia and dehydration and thus improved her fatigue. In addition, I found her a nationally recognized expert physician who discovered previously unrecognized, but treatable, conditions. 7) Helped interpret the medical literature
A woman in her 40s with a brain tumor was offered two completely different types of treatment. She searched the internet extensively, but was unable to make sense of what she found. I provided her with an extensive report detailing the most relevant medical studies relating to both types of treatment, and she was then able to make an informed choice. <return to top> | 
