Ask The Patient Advocate

What happens after your cancer treatment ends? Why do so many cancer survivors still struggle long after remission? Who helps patients navigate the emotional, physical, and mental challenges of life after cancer?In this inspiring episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli welcomes Mariana Arnaut, Co-Founder and CEO of The After Cancer, an innovative organization transforming cancer survivorship care through personalized, evidence-based digital support. After witnessing the challenges faced by loved ones recovering from cancer, Mariana set out to address one of the biggest gaps in modern oncology: helping survivors thrive—not just survive.Together, they explore why the transition from active treatment to survivorship can feel overwhelming, despite successful cancer outcomes. Mariana explains what cancer survivorship truly means, why so many survivors experience ongoing fatigue, anxiety, fear of recurrence, pain, cognitive changes, and emotional distress, and how healthcare systems often struggle to provide the long-term support patients need.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395 Connect with Mariana Arnaut:https://www.theaftercancer.com/https://www.facebook.com/theaftercancer/https://www.instagram.com/theaftercancerConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens when the person auditing healthcare systems suddenly becomes a patient? Why do communication failures, delayed follow-up, and broken trust continue to impact patient outcomes every day? Could stronger patient advocacy actually save lives?In this thought-provoking episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Dale Atkinson, founder of Clear Signal Partners and creator of the Patient Trust Audit. After nearly two decades designing governance and trust frameworks for major financial institutions, Dale's life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Experiencing healthcare from the patient's perspective exposed critical gaps in communication, accountability, and continuity of care that many patients face every day.Whether you're living with cancer, managing a chronic illness, caring for a loved one, or simply trying to navigate today's healthcare system with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable perspective and actionable advice.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395 Connect with Dale Atkinson:https://www.guestsonair.com/profile/dale-atkinsonhttps://clearsignalpartners.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Life-Organic/61579269482177/#https://www.instagram.com/the_lifeorganic/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalejatkinson/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Are you struggling to stay emotionally strong while navigating a medical diagnosis? Have stress, anxiety, or overwhelm made it harder to advocate for yourself or a loved one? What role does mental health play in achieving better healthcare outcomes?In this thoughtful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals build resilience, improve mental health, and navigate life's most difficult transitions. Drawing from her extensive work in hospitals, child welfare, psychotherapy, and caregiving, Kate shares practical strategies for managing the emotional challenges that often accompany chronic illness, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and complex medical journeys.Whether you're living with a chronic condition, caring for a family member, or simply feeling burned out by the demands of healthcare, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tools, and hope. You'll leave with a deeper understanding that caring for your mental health isn't separate from your medical care—it's one of the most powerful ways to advocate for yourself and move forward with strength, resilience, and confidence.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395 Connect with Kate Zera Kray, LCSW, LLC:https://katezerakray.com/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What if chronic pain isn't something you simply have to live with?Could aging without decline actually be possible?And what if small, intentional changes could help you regain strength, function, and hope?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Eileen Kapsaftis, a chronic pain consultant with more than 30 years of experience helping people reduce—and often eliminate—chronic pain while restoring function and improving long-term health. Her whole-person approach challenges many of the common beliefs surrounding aging, pain, and recovery.Together, they explore why so many people remain stuck despite seeking treatment, how conventional healthcare often overlooks the bigger picture, and why movement, nutrition, and personalized care play a critical role in healing. Eileen also shares the surprising myth behind "age-related decline," explains her unique four-pronged approach to chronic pain, and offers simple, practical strategies that listeners can begin using today.Whether you're living with chronic pain, pelvic pain, endometriosis, mobility challenges, or simply want to stay healthier as you age, this conversation offers actionable insights, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on what's possible.Healing isn't always about finding another procedure or prescription. Sometimes, it's about understanding your body differently, taking the first small step forward, and realizing that a healthier, stronger future may be more achievable than you ever imagined.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Eileen Kopsaftishttps://havelifelongwellbeing.com/https://www.facebook.com/EileenKopsaftisOfficialhttps://www.youtube.com/@EileenKopsaftisConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever felt like your symptoms were dismissed because your tests looked "normal"?Have you or someone you love been searching for answers about ME/CFS, Long COVID, or another infection-associated chronic condition?What happens when patients refuse to stay silent—and their voices begin changing healthcare?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Emily Taylor, President and CEO of Solve M.E., for an eye-opening conversation about ME/CFS, Long COVID, and the challenges faced by millions living with invisible illnesses.Emily shares her deeply personal journey from caregiver to nationally recognized advocate, explaining how her mother's battle with ME/CFS inspired a career dedicated to transforming healthcare through research, policy, and patient advocacy. Together, they discuss why these conditions have historically been misunderstood, why so many patients feel dismissed, and how gaps in medical education continue to impact diagnosis and care.You'll also hear how patient stories have helped secure more than $1.5 billion in Long COVID research funding, why community and advocacy are so powerful, and what newly diagnosed patients can do to find hope, support, and compassionate medical partners.Whether you're living with a chronic condition, caring for someone who is, or simply want to better understand these complex illnesses, this conversation offers insight, validation, and encouragement.Because every patient deserves to be heard—and every story has the power to create change.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Emily Taylorhttps://solvecfs.org/https://www.instagram.com/solve_cfs/https://www.facebook.com/SolveMECFSInitiative/https://x.com/PlzSolveCFShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emilytaylorca/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered if emotional wounds can affect your physical health? Have you been carrying pain from the past and questioned whether true healing is really possible? What if forgiveness wasn't about excusing what happened—but about setting yourself free?In this deeply moving episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Teri Wellbrock—author, motivational speaker, forgiveness mentor, audiobook producer, and host of the internationally ranked The Healing Place Podcast—to explore the powerful connection between trauma, healing, forgiveness, and hope.In this episode, you'll learn:How unresolved trauma can impact both physical and mental healthWhat EMDR therapy is and why it can be life-changing for trauma survivorsThe connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and chronic diseaseA healthy, empowering perspective on forgivenessSimple mindfulness and self-care practices to begin your healing journeyWhy building your own "healing toolbox" can make all the differenceThis heartfelt conversation reminds us that while healing isn't always easy, we don't have to walk the journey alone—and with the right support, hope is always within reach.If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Connect with Teri Wellbrock        https://teriwellbrock.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheHealingPlacePodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-wellbrock/https://www.youtube.com/teriwellbrockhttps://www.instagram.com/healingplacepodcastConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Why are so many older teens and young adults silently struggling?Why does anxiety feel louder than ever in this generation?And why do so many young people fall through the cracks during one of the most formative stages of life?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Dr. Rachel Hyman, a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with teens, young adults, and families.Emerging adulthood is a season of exploration, transition, and identity formation — but it can also be a time of intense uncertainty. Academic pressure. Social comparison. Relationship challenges. Chronic health conditions. A rapidly changing world. It’s no surprise that anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem struggles are increasingly common.Dr. Hyman shares why anxiety — especially social anxiety — is one of the most prevalent concerns she sees today, and how social media has amplified the pressure young people feel. At the same time, she highlights a hopeful shift: the stigma around mental health is decreasing, and more young adults are seeking support.We also explore:• What therapy actually looks like (and why it’s not a quick fix)• Why readiness and willingness matter in the therapeutic process• How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help• The emotional toll of managing chronic health conditions at a young age• Why mental health support is a critical piece of medical advocacy• The benefits and accessibility of tele-mental health servicesIf you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395.Connect with Rachel Hymanhttps://www.drrachelhyman.com/https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/08/02/diabetes-colorblindness-genetic-testing/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever left a medical appointment wondering if anyone truly heard what you said?Have you explained your symptoms again and again, only to feel like progress isn’t happening?Or quietly ask yourself: Is anyone actually listening?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine explore a deeply important and often unspoken experience in healthcare: the feeling of not being heard.Modern healthcare is incredibly complex. Specialists focus on specific areas, appointment times are often limited, and communication gaps can easily occur. When care becomes fragmented, patients often find themselves carrying the responsibility of connecting the dots between providers, tests, and treatment plans — all while managing their own health challenges. Over time, this can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and even self-doubt.In this thoughtful conversation, Dr. Borrelli discusses:• Why so many patients feel “stuck” in the healthcare system• How fragmented care can make progress feel slow or unclear• Why patients often blame themselves when answers don’t come• The emotional impact of repeatedly feeling dismissed or misunderstood• Why being heard is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatmentIf you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395Take control of your healthcare journey with confidence.✨ Enroll today in our Patient Advocacy Course and learn how to speak up, stay organized, and make informed decisions about your care or your loved one’s.👉 Visit https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/ to get started.Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com