Sexy Librarian
If you’ve been reading my blog or my book you know I’m a total geek for hardcore legal resources and factual information. (One of my alter egos: sexy cancer law librarian.)
Last month, a family member was in the hospital and I was seriously displeased with the administration. I called a meeting and sat down with the CEO of the hospital and his posse and read them a riot act, peppered with a few key nuggets of healthcare legal knowledge. Not only did I get what I wanted but, when I left they all said, “We had no idea you were a lawyer.” My reply “I’m not. I’m a cancer patient.”
My motto is ‘Think, question, and shout when you need to.’ You can do this quite effectively with a little bit of legal knowledge under your belt. So, stop thinking of healthcare law as a nightmare, and start using it to your advantage.
The Stupid Cancer Show
Listen tonight to the Stupid Cancer Show, at 9 PM EST when co-host Matthew Zachary and I will be talking about recent updates to the law that affect young cancer survivors. Our great guests are Joanna Morales, Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center and Paula Pearlman, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Legal Center.
Do the words “healthcare law” excite you or make you want to run? Have you ever stated your rights or referred to a law in a medical setting? What were the results? What legal questions would you ask Paula and Joanna?
“Everything Changes is, without doubt, the most forthright, emotionally sophisticated, and plain-old valuable book of its kind I've seen.”
March 30th, 2009 at 9:08 AM
I can’t tell you how much admire your assertiveness and wish I could learn how to emulate it.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Want to learn how to emulate me? Send me your questions and medical miasma scenarios, and in true Dear Abby form I’ll give you my 411 on how to handle the situation - luckily you’ll get some two cents from others on here as well.
Prayer and kale are great additions to the cancer lifestyle, but I think the best life prolonging measure that is truly within our grasp is becoming a kick ass assertive patient. I make my assertiveness so public in my book and on my blog for the very reason of wanting to inspire others to adapt the same attitude. Thanks for the nod Anita!
April 7th, 2009 at 4:24 AM
Hi, I’m back from illness. Yes, patients need to advocate for themselves. Knowing the righ words to say and some basic legal language is extremely important to ensuring the very best care. People have to have the gusto to stand up and demand what they deserve first.
August 28th, 2011 at 4:51 PM
very fun picture!!