Empowerment, Resilience, and Advocacy: Transforming Patient Experiences Worldwide
Chronically Empowered: Your Weekly Dose of Inspiration!
?? Global Patient Participation Summit: A Resounding Success ??
I am still basking in the glow of the Global Patient Participation Summit in Vienna's magnificent city! As a keynote speaker and an expert patient, the learning, connecting, and collaboration I experienced was enriching. Patient leaders from all corners of the globe brought forth valuable insights into pivotal issues such as:
Sharing my idea of patient academies aimed at fostering patient education and empowerment was particularly thrilling. I am deeply grateful to my fellow patient leaders, advocates, experts, and the dedicated members of Boehringer Ingelheim for their efforts to turn this summit into a reality.
Healthcare can only evolve through active patient participation, leading to a patient-centric, equitable, and efficient system.
Special thanks to 勃林格殷格翰 Nadia Hallwirth , Dr. Dorte Hering Bronwyn Lewis , Dr. Martin Walter Walter, Marriott Hotels, and the City of Vienna for their tremendous support. Let's continue to drive #PatientPoweredProgress!
?? Empowering Entrepreneurs through Resilience ??
Recently, I had the honor of facilitating a resilience workshop for health and other entrepreneurs as part of the GIN program by FFG and AWS Austria. The session was structured around three core themes:
?? An Unpleasant Encounter: Learning from Adversity ??
Unfortunately, I recently encountered a dark cloud in the form of #MedicalGaslighting at a major hospital in Vienna. In sharing this experience, I aim to shed light on the dismissal and mistreatment patients with chronic illnesses often face.
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During an appointment, a doctor implied I was a burden because of my chronic illness. This escalated when I was left intentionally bleeding after a blood draw - an "educational" measure as the doctor put it. This unprofessional and inhumane conduct is not acceptable.
Living with chronic illness is already a significant battle. Adding dismissive treatment to the mix just compounds the struggle. As a community, we must push back against such conduct. We need to fight for patients' rights, empathy, and respect.
To the doctor, I said, "I am sorry you are having a bad shift, and I wish you get more rest." Sometimes, all we can do is respond with kindness. It's time to change the narrative and ensure chronic illness patients receive the respect and care they deserve.
Upcoming Events ??
Mark your calendars! In the coming weeks, I'll be speaking at various virtual and in-person events, including the 5p summit in Zurich and the Radical health festival in Helsinki next month1. Join me as I discuss patient empowerment, dealing with chronic illness, and more. Stay tuned for dates and details!
A Personal Thank You ??
In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude to all who support this journey – including you, dear readers! Your messages, comments, and likes mean the world to me. They remind me of why I do what I do. Let's continue to uplift each other and create a world where every voice is heard, every pain acknowledged, and every patient empowered.
Stay strong, stay inspired, and stay #ChronicallyEmpowered!
End Note
Living with a chronic illness often feels like being on a roller coaster ride. There are highs, lows, twists, and turns. But remember, you are not alone on this ride. Together, we can change the narrative around chronic illness. We can foster empathy, understanding, and respect for all patients.
Until next week, keep shining your light and making a difference. We are stronger together!