I did not blog about my dad when he died. I wrote a song.

The doctor’s job is to make sure I receive good care, not be my best friend.

If a person like me can have trouble navigating the complicated nuances of health insurance, prior authorizations and payment, then how can we expect people who don't come from "a place of privilege" to manage their health care?

The desire for a culture of transparency and openness does not just come from us “sick people.” This is what future consumers of healthcare expect—a group that will continue to grow as people are living longer with chronic conditions and serious illness.

How might you use your skills to redesign a patient experience?

Giving people language for self-advocacy: While patients shouldn't be overwhelmed with clinical language, helping us understand what things like palliative care are and are not improves our ability to advocate for ourselves.

…after delivering this talk, I heard from many people who identified with my experience. These are people who don't normally connect with my brain cancer background. All I can say is, not everyone has a perfect home life. You never know what is really going on unless you express it.

What would you do, if you were offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that, if accepted, would force you to leave the stability and comfort of an ‘everyday job’ BUT – might also give you the opportunity to change the world?

Highly engaged and empowered patient seeks new Sacramento-area primary care physician within the Sutter Health or UC Davis network.