Does your appointment go the way YOU want it to? Are all of your questions answered when you leave? Did you understand everything that was discussed? Advocating for yourself in any situation means SPEAKING UP! This is not always an easy thing to do when sitting across from your PCP. You have a right to take an active, informed role in your healthcare plan and decisions. Since COVID, in Ontario, more health care visits take place online, and sometimes your conversation with your PCP is conducted over the telephone. This is not all bad, but it does make advocating for yourself harder. 1. BE PREPARED If you have an acute illness (e.g., flu, cold, new onset pain), make a note of all of your SYMPTOMS. You can do this the old-fashioned way and carry a list with you into the appointment, or use the notes app on your phone. If you bring out your list immediately, your PCP will see that you have come prepared. Whether your appointment is about a new situation or a chronic one, the next thing to list is QUESTIONS. Often we think of questions before our appointment, but how often do we remember them all? A prepared list, opened or brought out right away, lets your PCP know you have specific things you want to discuss. 2. ADDRESS THE DYNAMIC (The 'Superhuman' Bias) As patients, we often carry an "Authority Bias." We trust medically trained persons automatically because of their credentials. Sometimes, we believe doctors and other providers are infallible and do not make mistakes. In extreme situations, patients deify their PCP, making them into a "larger than life" superhuman. All three of these possibilities affect the dynamic during your visit. 3. THE "ADVOCACY" PLAYBOOK (PRACTICAL PHRASES): - SPEAK 1ST! "Hi, I am here today to see you about my ____. Before I leave, I want to make sure that we have covered my questions and concerns." - ASK FOR CLARIFICATION: "Can you explain that again, please?" - ADMIT WHEN YOU NEED MORE TIME: Your PCP likely does not even know that you have left feeling unprepared or insecure about the plan.

If you have ever felt like a "number" in the system, or felt overwhelmed trying to coordinate your own care while facing growing wait times, please take a deep breath—you are in the right place. We are lucky to have our health cards, but we know that showing your card is only the first step. In today’s changing landscape, the real challenge is knowing how to advocate for yourself and how to push for access when waitlists feel endless. HOW DO YOU ENSURE you’re getting the care you deserve in a system that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate? I spent years as a private duty nurse (palliative care, rehab) and then as a Nurse Manager for a busy neuropsychiatry office. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes to have someone in your corner who truly "gets it." I am no longer at the bedside, but my heart is still very much in caregiving. I transitioned my years of medical experience into transcription and now health advocacy to help you find your voice, understand your rights, and get the support you deserve right here in Ontario. WHAT WE DO HERE - FIND COMFORT: A safe space to share your journey with someone who understands the real Ontario healthcare landscape. - NAVIGATE THE GAPS: Practical guidance on moving through the system—from specialist referrals to home care and community support. - STAY EMPOWERED: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. I will provide you with the tools to manage your healthcare journey with confidence and clarity. HOW TO GET STARTED Introduce yourself and share the first thing that comes to mind when you think about healthcare in Ontario. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or just trying to figure out the next step in your care, I am here to listen. I am so glad you’re here. Let’s move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered, together!