Ask The Patient Advocate

How do you maintain your inner peace when the pressure to feel merry conflicts with the reality of living with a health condition? What can you do when holiday gatherings bring unwanted opinions about your care, medication, or diagnosis? How can you honor grief or the loss of your health when everyone around you is celebrating?In this new episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast—part of our special "Health for the Holidays" mini-series—host Dr. Elena Borrelli explores the complex emotional realities of the festive season. Joining her is Dr. Shavon Romita (DHSc, M.S. Ed, LPC), a Michigan-based Licensed Professional Counselor and health science scholar who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and mental health therapies.You don't have to navigate your health—or the holiday season—perfectly. Tune in to gain practical wisdom, grant yourself grace, and empower your emotional well-being this season.Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare JourneyMastering self-advocacy is key to protecting your health and boundaries. If you are ready to gain the tools, confidence, and knowledge to navigate complex medical diagnoses and family dynamics, explore our comprehensive Self-Advocacy Course.Looking for personalized support? If you need a dedicated private patient advocate to walk alongside you or your family, call us today at 947-517-8395 to learn how we can help.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.Connect with Melinda:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shavon-romita-dhsc-m-s-ed-lpc-6870377bhttps://therapyfinder.com/therapist/dr-shavon-r-romita-licensed-professional-counselor-rochester-hills-miConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Do you know what to do if a health concern arises while your doctor’s office is closed for the holidays? Are your medications, medical records, and emergency contacts organized before you travel? And would you feel confident speaking up if you needed medical care away from home?The holiday season brings family gatherings, travel, and celebration—but healthcare needs don’t take a holiday. Limited office hours, unavailable specialists, and unexpected symptoms can make it harder to get the care you need. That’s why self-patient advocacy and preparation are especially important this time of year.In this Health for the Holidays episode of Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine explore ways to protect your health and navigate healthcare with greater confidence throughout Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.Whether you live with a chronic condition, care for a loved one, or simply want to be better prepared, this conversation offers useful strategies you can put into practice before the holiday rush.Give yourself the gift of confidence this season. Explore how small steps today can help you become a more informed, prepared, and empowered participant in your healthcare.Ready to strengthen your self-advocacy skills? Explore the Pathway Self-Advocacy Course for practical tools and resources: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/Looking for personalized support? Call 947-517-8395 to learn more about working with a private patient advocate.Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens when you are handed a rare, low-survival cancer diagnosis and told there are no options left? How do you transition from the overwhelming shock of a devastating prognosis to actively taking control of your medical journey? What if the key to unlocking years of quality life lies in exploring clinical trials long before they are offered as a last resort?In this powerful episode of the Ask the Patient Advocate Podcast, host Dr. Elena Borrelli sits down with Melinda Bachini, a 16-year survivor of cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. After her initial diagnosis offered little hope, Melinda took charge of her care, leading her to a pioneering clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute. Today, she serves as the Chief Patient Officer at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, sitting on national research committees to ensure patient advocacy remains at the forefront of medical research and policy.Tune in to discover how using your voice can unlock hope, extend quality of life, and transform the future of cancer care.Take the Next Step in Your Healthcare JourneyMastering self-advocacy can save lives. If you are ready to gain the tools, confidence, and knowledge to navigate complex medical diagnoses for yourself or your loved ones, explore our comprehensive Self-Advocacy Course.Need personalized support? If you are looking for a dedicated private patient advocate to walk alongside you, call us today at 947-517-8395 to learn how we can help.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.Connect with Melinda:https://www.facebook.com/melinda.bachinihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-bachini-b04b8b100/https://www.instagram.com/mebachini/?hl=enhttps://x.com/melinda_bachinihttps://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/TikTok @melindabachiniConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

Have you ever wondered what happens after your doctor leaves the hospital room? Why do tests, imaging, and treatment decisions sometimes take hours—or even days? And who is actually coordinating all the moving parts of your hospital stay?Hospitals are complex, fast-moving environments, and patients often see only a small portion of the work happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine pull back the curtain on hospital operations and explain how physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, case managers, laboratory teams, and other professionals work together to coordinate care.You’ll learn why hospital wait times happen, how emergencies and staffing affect schedules, what takes place during shift changes, and why communication between departments is essential for patient safety and continuity of care. The conversation also highlights how understanding the hospital care team can help patients and caregivers feel less confused and more involved in medical decisions.If you need help understanding what’s happening during a hospital stay, a private patient advocate can help you navigate the process. Call 947-517-8395 to learn more.Want to become a stronger advocate for yourself or a loved one? Explore our Self-Advocacy Course and learn more here: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/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 feeling unheard or dismissed? How can you ask difficult questions without damaging your relationship with your healthcare provider? And when should you escalate a concern or seek a second opinion?Self-advocacy in healthcare doesn’t mean being confrontational—it means becoming an informed, active member of your care team. In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine discuss how patients can communicate concerns respectfully, prepare for appointments, and confidently ask for the care they need.Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, facing a confusing diagnosis, or simply want to feel more confident during medical appointments, this episode offers practical tools to help you speak up without fear.Need help navigating a complex hospital discharge or advocating for safer care? If you’re looking for a private patient advocate, call us at 947-517-8395.Want to become a stronger advocate for yourself or a loved one? Explore our Self-Advocacy Course and learn more here: 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 happens when your healthcare journey crosses international borders? How do you know whether medical care abroad is safe, trustworthy, and worth the cost? And who can help coordinate treatment when healthcare systems, languages, and regulations differ?International medical advocacy is becoming increasingly important for patients seeking specialized expertise, shorter wait times, clinical trials, advanced technology, second opinions, or more affordable treatment in another country. But accessing care abroad involves much more than booking an appointment or crossing a border.In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine explore what international medical advocacy really means and why patients may need support when navigating healthcare across countries. They discuss medical record coordination, language and communication barriers, provider credentials, differences in medical standards, insurance coverage, travel logistics, follow-up care, and the hidden costs that patients should consider before making a decision.If you’re looking for a private patient advocate, call 947-517-8395. To strengthen your self-advocacy skills, explore our Self-Advocacy 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

Do you know how to advocate for yourself when you’re sick, overwhelmed, or facing a difficult medical decision? Are you confident asking questions, understanding your medical records, or speaking up when something doesn’t seem right? And what if you don’t know where to begin?Self-patient advocacy isn’t about arguing with doctors or navigating the healthcare system alone. It’s about becoming an informed, prepared, and active participant in your own care.In this special video episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli and Christine take a deep dive into the skills that can transform the healthcare experience. They explore how to organize medical records, prepare for appointments, ask better questions, understand basic health insurance terminology, seek second opinions, build a healthcare support team, and regularly reassess your treatment plan and quality of life.Ready to strengthen your self-advocacy skills? Explore the Pathway Patient Advocates Self-Advocacy Course for practical tools, worksheets, and strategies you can use at your own pace: https://pathwaypa.com/pathwaycourses/If you’re looking for personalized support from a private patient advocate, call 947-517-8395.Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What does it really mean to be well while living with cancer? How do you find hope when a diagnosis changes everything? And how can a difficult health journey become a source of purpose for others?In this powerful episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Brelli sits down with Shawn Elizabeth George, wellness educator, writer, speaker, rare cancer advocate, and two-time marathon runner, to explore resilience, wellness, and patient advocacy after a life-changing diagnosis.Shawn shares her deeply personal journey through anxiety and depression, her diagnosis with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC)—a rare salivary gland cancer—and the realities of treatment, recovery, and life beyond cancer. She opens up about undergoing surgery, proton beam radiation, and chemotherapy while raising a young family, and why the support of family, friends, healthcare providers, and community can make such a profound difference.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 Shawn Elizabeth George:Pause. Breathe. Pray.https://www.shawnelizabethgeorge.com/https://www.instagram.com/shawnelizabethgeorgehttps://www.facebook.com/shawnelizabethgeorgeConnect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com

What happens after your child receives an autism diagnosis? How do you know which therapies and recommendations are truly right for your child? And how can parents become confident advocates without feeling overwhelmed?In this episode of Ask the Patient Advocate, Dr. Elena Borrelli speaks with Dr. Theresa Lyons, a Yale-trained scientist, autism parent, and founder of Navigating Autism, about turning uncertainty into informed action.Dr. Lyons shares how her daughter’s diagnosis transformed her scientific curiosity into a mission to help families understand autism and make thoughtful, personalized healthcare decisions. The conversation explores why autism can look so different from child to child, how parents can identify the challenges affecting quality of life, and why treatment should be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.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 Dr. Theresa Lyons:https://awetism.co/work-togetherhttps://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingAWEtismhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamlyonsphdhttps://www.facebook.com/NavigatingAWEtism/Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:Instagram: @pathwaypadvocatesFacebook: Pathway Patient AdvocatesYoutube: Pathway Patient AdvocatesTiktok: Pathway Patient AdvocatesLinkedIn: Pathway Patient Advocatespathwaypa.com