Ask The Patient Advocate

Do you ever leave a doctor’s appointment feeling unheard? Have you struggled to ask the right questions, remember important details, or speak up when something doesn’t feel right?In this empowering episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine break down one of the most important skills any patient can learn: self-advocacy.Most people think advocating for themselves means being pushy or confrontational, but real advocacy is the opposite. It’s about clarity, confidence, preparation, and partnership.Dr. Borrelli introduces her signature A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E. framework, a simple but powerful guide that helps patients stay organized, informed, and in control throughout their healthcare journey. Together, they explore common mistakes patients make, the best ways to prepare for appointments, and how to communicate effectively with your care team.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:What true self-advocacy looks like and what it isn’tThe A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E. method for becoming an empowered patientHow to prepare for appointments so your voice is heardThe communication habits that build trust with your healthcare teamHow staying organized can dramatically improve your careWhy self-advocacy creates better outcomes, less stress, and more confidenceYou’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Pathway Patient Advocate’s Self-Advocacy Course, designed to help patients take control of their health using proven tools, step-by-step guidance, and real-world strategies.Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to take charge of your health, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you need to advocate for yourself the right way.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Take 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

What do you do when you first hear the words “Down Syndrome” tied to your loved one? How do you navigate the medical decisions, emotions, and day-to-day challenges that come with a new diagnosis? And where can families turn when the journey feels overwhelming?In this deeply meaningful episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine explore what it truly means to navigate life with Down Syndrome, from diagnosis to long-term support. Whether you're a new parent, a caregiver, or someone wanting to understand the condition more clearly, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and actionable guidance.But this isn’t just a medical conversation, it’s a human one.✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:What Down Syndrome actually is in simple, clear termsCommon health concerns and why ongoing follow-up mattersHow to build a strong care team, with or without access to specialty centersThe emotional realities parents and caregivers often faceHow private patient advocates help coordinate care, reduce stress, and support families every step of the wayWhy advocacy, both personal and professional, is essential for achieving the best outcomesDr. Borrelli also shares powerful reassurance for families at the beginning of the journey: you don’t need all the answers on day one. What matters most is finding support and taking things one step at a time.This episode shines a light on the love, resilience, and strength within the Down Syndrome community and the importance of having knowledgeable advocates in your corner.If you or someone you love is navigating Down Syndrome, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, supported, and far less alone.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Take 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

Have you or someone you love ever received unexpected genetic results? Are you struggling to process a diagnosis, make difficult decisions, or manage the overwhelming emotions that come with genetic information?If so, this episode is for you — and you are not alone.In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Mary Frances Garber, a genetic counselor with more than 30 years of experience and a pioneer in supportive genetic counseling.Together, they explore what really happens after you leave the doctor’s office — the shock, fear, grief, guilt, uncertainty, and the emotional “fog” that often follows genetic information. Mary Frances shares how she guides patients and families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, from prenatal diagnoses to hereditary cancer risk, offering compassion, clarity, and a safe place to breathe.💛 In this episode, you’ll learn:What supportive genetic counseling is and why it’s so desperately neededThe most common emotional responses after receiving genetic newsWhy guilt, grief, and overwhelm are normal — and how to move through themHow families can make difficult decisions with support instead of fearWhat it looks like to have someone walk beside you through prenatal diagnosesHow patients facing hereditary cancer risk process grief, identity shifts, and next stepsPractical advice for anyone currently navigating genetic resultsListen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Connect with Mary-Frances:http://www.listeningreflectinghealing.comhttp://www.facebook.com/mfgcgcConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Are you or someone you love navigating diabetes during the holidays? Wondering how to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed, restricted, or stressed about your health?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to support you.In this Health for the Holidays episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and co-host Christine discuss the unique challenges that come with managing diabetes during a season filled with gatherings, traditions, and — of course — endless holiday food.Whether you or a loved one is newly diagnosed or working to stay balanced throughout the season, this conversation offers practical guidance, emotional support, and empowering tools to help you stay in control without missing the moments that matter.💙 Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why the holidays can feel especially overwhelming after a diabetes diagnosisHow to plan ahead so you can enjoy gatherings without stressWhat to include in a simple emergency plan for unexpected blood sugar changesHow to navigate setbacks with grace (because nobody is perfect!)Ways to stay present, joyful, and connected while prioritizing your healthHow a private patient advocate can help you coordinate care, build a plan, and stay supportedThis episode is filled with compassion, practical insights, and reminders that you can enjoy the holidays while taking care of your health. Balance is possible — and you deserve to celebrate, connect, and feel confident every step of the way.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Take 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

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the holidays? Struggling to balance the joy of the season with the stress that comes along with it?You’re not alone — and your mental health matters, especially during this time of year.In this Health for the Holidays episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and co-host Christine dive deep into the importance of prioritizing mental health during the holidays — a season that can bring both joy and emotional exhaustion.From managing feelings of loneliness or burnout to finding peace amid chaos, this episode offers simple, actionable ways to care for your emotional well-being. You’ll learn how gratitude, connection, and rest can transform your mindset, and how support from a private patient advocate can help ease the stress of managing care during this busy season.Because taking care of your mind is taking care of your body — and you deserve peace, presence, and joy this holiday season.💙 Listen now to learn:Why mental health challenges often increase during the holidaysHow to manage emotional overwhelm while balancing medical care and family demandsPractical, gentle ways to nurture your mind and bodyHow private patient advocates can lighten your load and help you focus on what truly matters🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Take 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

Have you ever spent the holidays worrying about a loved one in the hospital?Do you wonder how to bring joy, connection, and meaning to a season that suddenly feels heavy or uncertain?And how do you take care of yourself while caring for someone else?In this heartfelt episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and co-host Christine continue the Health for the Holidays series with an honest and uplifting conversation about finding comfort and connection when a loved one is hospitalized during the holidays.They share emotional insights, real-world advice, and practical tips for making the most of this season — even when things don’t go as planned. From simple gestures that can brighten a hospital room to the vital role of private patient advocates in easing stress and managing care, this episode is filled with compassion, hope, and heart.🎄 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✔️ How to support a loved one in the hospital during the holidays✔️ Small but meaningful ways to bring joy and comfort✔️ The emotional toll of caregiving — and how to practice self-care✔️ How a private patient advocate can help families focus on love, not logistics✔️ Why redefining holiday traditions can bring new meaning and peaceWhether you’re spending this season by a hospital bed, balancing caregiving with family life, or simply looking for perspective, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that connection matters more than perfection.Take a breath, grab a warm drink, and join us for a thoughtful episode that celebrates care, compassion, and the power of being present — even in the hardest moments.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Take 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

Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling unheard or confused? Do you wish you knew how to ask the right questions — or even what your rights are as a patient? What if you could learn the skills to advocate for yourself or someone you love, confidently and clearly?In this special episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and co-host Christine unveil something truly exciting — the launch of Pathway Patient Advocates’ brand new Patient Advocacy Course! This course was created for anyone navigating the healthcare system, caring for a loved one, or dreaming of becoming a professional advocate.Join Dr. Borrelli and Christine as they discuss: ✔️ Why self-advocacy matters (and how it can change your care) ✔️ The most common moments when speaking up makes all the difference ✔️ How to stay organized with tools and forms designed just for you ✔️ Tips for managing appointments, test results, and insurance claims ✔️ How this course helps even the least tech-savvy learners succeedThis isn’t just a course — it’s a movement to ensure every voice is heard and every patient feels empowered. Whether you’re facing a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply want to feel more in control of your health, this series will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take the lead in your own care.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Sign up and get the course >> https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What if your diagnosis wasn’t just a setback, but also your teacher? Can food really help during — and after — cancer treatment? And how do you balance science, lifestyle, and self-advocacy when the stakes are life and death?In this heartfelt episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli welcomes Alison Tierney, a registered dietitian, board-certified oncology nutrition specialist, and breast cancer survivor. Alison shares her journey through PCOS, infertility, and cancer — and how those experiences reshaped her approach to patient care and nutrition.Together, they explore: ✔️ How lifestyle and nutrition can support cancer treatment and survivorship ✔️ The role of self-advocacy in early detection and better outcomes ✔️ Why “adding before subtracting” is the key to sustainable nutrition changes ✔️ How cancer can transform priorities, boundaries, and quality of life ✔️ Practical first steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed by a diagnosisAlison’s story is one of resilience, evidence-based care, and hope. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or simply looking to take control of your health, this conversation offers guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to face challenges with clarity and strength.Listen to the next episode of "Ask the Patient Advocate" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with 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) 517-8395Connect with Alison Tierney:https://wholesomellc.com/about-alisonhttps://www.facebook.com/wholesomellchttps://www.instagram.com/wholesomellc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-tierney-ms-rd-cd-cso/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKWzWYqOwCXy-7zSveduPAConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com