Did you know that on average it takes up to five years for a woman struggling with the symptoms of an autoimmune disease to get an accurate diagnosis? The current medical model has been statistically shown to dismiss and ignore women’s voices and create an environment in which we feel uncomfortable speaking up about our symptoms and health concerns. Thousands of women have written to me with stories not just of being medically dismissed, but medically mistreated.
So how can we change this story? In today’s episode of Natural MD Radio I share with you my top tips for learning to speak up and overcome the gender bias that’s inherent in medicine. These practical tips will help you feel more confident going into your next appointment, know when it’s time to make the tough call of breaking up with a provider who doesn’t support you, and cultivate your own version of Sasha Fierce as your go-to health care advocate.
Show Notes
- What is medical gender bias?
- Why is it hard for women to speak up to their doctors?
- Why women health care professionals are not immune to the problem
- The special case of invisible illness
- Dr. Aviva’s top tips for getting what you want from a medical encounter
- How to know when it’s time to break up with your doctor
Links from the Show
- Read the companion blogpost How to Talk to Your Doctor and Get the Health Care You Need
- Read about Why I Don’t Wear White Coat
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Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes or Soundcloud
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