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About Me

I am known as the Hips and Pelvis Advocate. I'm 30 years old and I'm currently a second year PhD student in the health promotion and behavioral sciences program at University of Texas Health. Within this discipline, we are focused on why people things the way they do and how we can work to facilitate healthy behaviors and prevent unhealthy ones.

 

I have a bachelor's in anthropology from Lawrence University, and recently graduated with my Masters in Public Health in the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration at University of Florida. Within this time, I had a surgery every six months. My research interests surround chronic disease (rare diseases), trauma-informed care, and sexual health and dysfunction. The bulk of my work in my degree program recently has had to focus on medication and exercise adherence for cancer survivors and osteoarthritis patients.

For those interested in exploring more of my work, I invite you to visit the publication page and connect with me on Instagram @HipsAndPelvisAdvocate. Currently, I am actively conducting my own research, have been a member of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health advocacy committee for two years, and am focused on writing manuscripts and conducting cross-sectional studies. Additionally, I am working on developing my career within the behavioral science discipline.

I'm also a veteran multiple-symptom patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, MCAS, and POTs, which also fuels my interest in these areas. I also experience chronic pain daily and have witnessed and experienced the gaps in medical care firsthand.

Big Takeaways from My Experiences for Patients:

  • Remember, you are your own advocate, and nobody knows your body better than you do. Keep asking questions and don't hesitate to seek second, third, or even fourth opinions when it comes to your health.

  • Prioritize research and preparation before appointments. Arrive informed, bring a trusted advocate with you (e.g., family members, friends, significant others), leverage social media for insights, and read up on surgeon reviews online. Pay attention to recurring themes in reviews, as an excess of positive feedback without specific outcomes can be a warning sign. While a good personality and bedside manner are bonuses, they should not overshadow the importance of competence and outcomes.

  • Before surgery or medical appointments, take the time to plan ahead. Prepare a list of questions and do some background reading to ensure you're well-informed.

  • Don't hesitate to request additional opinions, even for imaging tests. Sometimes, doctors may overlook crucial details, and seeking multiple perspectives can provide valuable insight into your health situation.

 

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