What's Your Motivation for Being a Patient Advocate?

What's Your Motivation for Being a Patient Advocate?

What motivates patients to volunteer? It’s not prestige or money but the desire to either right a wrong or improve the healthcare system by seeing the world from a patient’s perspective. If we truly want to have a variety of patient voices heard, we need to do the work to ensure any barriers to participation are removed and we value their voices.

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You Don't Need to Struggle Alone

You Don't Need to Struggle Alone

As parents, we often hold back from sharing when we are struggling or feeling overwhelmed. But guess what? You aren’t alone. By opening up, you can tap into the amazing support from other parents who have been where you are and have great insights to share.

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Should Patient Volunteers Get Paid?

Should Patient Volunteers Get Paid?

There is much debate online about whether or not patient should receive financial compensation for volunteering. Particularly when it comes to speaking at conferences or sitting on a healthcare committee, where everyone else in the room is being paid to attend. It’s about valuing and respecting patient voices, and the time they give (preparing, travelling, meeting).

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The Mental Health Struggles of Pregnant Moms, That No One Talks About

The Mental Health Struggles of Pregnant Moms, That No One Talks About

When people think of pregnant women they often have images of a woman with a round belly, big smile on her face and laying in a field of flowers. Okay, maybe that last part is only reserved for television commercials. However, this carefree, happy impression of pregnancy leaves many women feeling inadequate for being anything less than joyful.

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Warning: Working on Your Weaknesses Can Sink Your Career

Warning: Working on Your Weaknesses Can Sink Your Career

While I usually write about patient advocacy, bear with me as this blog post is aimed at helping you grow professionally and personally. And by focusing on our strengths we can be stronger advocates or healthcare professionals.

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How to Advocate for Your Child With Special Needs

How to Advocate for Your Child With Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs takes patience, love, hard work and a lot of advocacy. When your child is young you are their voice, and as they grow up you become your child’s megaphone. Here are some tips to help you advocate for your child (so you can avoid banging your head against a wall).

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The Power of Thank You Notes

The Power of Thank You Notes

In a world of electronic communications, we rarely receive handwritten notes or letters. Yet there is great power in not only taking the time to send a personal note, but also letting the recipient know how grateful you are for the support or service they have provided. And guess what? You’ll feel good in the process.

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