diagnosis and misdiagnosis
Meet Dr. Mari Pantoja-Smith, DHSc, RN, CGNC
Dr. Mari Pantoja-Smith is a doctorate-prepared registered nurse and patient advocate with Umbra Health Advocacy. Over more than 15 years, she has supported individuals and families navigating complex medical conditions, and her background spans clinical care, digital health strategy, and care coordination. As a result, she brings both clinical depth and a systems-level view to…
Read MoreMeet Patient Advocate: Manny Hill
Manny Hill is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate with Umbra Health Advocacy who specializes in complex and rare diseases, including cancer and genetic conditions. She brings a rare combination of deep technical training and real healthcare system leadership to families who are facing some of the most overwhelming moments in care. Manny Hill’s background Manny holds…
Read MoreEndometriosis Awareness: Faster Diagnosis and Better Care with Advocates
March is here, marking Endometriosis Awareness Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about a condition that affects more than 11% of women and people assigned female at birth. Endometriosis occurs when tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, grows outside of it. This can cause a wide range of debilitating symptoms, including intense menstrual…
Read MoreGet to know our advocates: Spotlight on Stephen Young, MD
After 35 years as a physician practicing in ICUs, hospitals, and other settings, Stephen Young hung up his white coat to become a patient advocate.
Read MoreGet to know our advocates: Spotlight on Megan Stewart
When cancer hit close to home, Megan Stewart, MS, BCPA, shifted her focus from corporate strategy and relations to professional patient advocacy.
Read MoreGet to know our advocates: Spotlight on Michael Voss
Michael Voss, MD, was a family medicine doctor who turned to patient advocacy. Now, he helps patients and families navigate medical care.
Read MoreGet to know our advocates: Spotlight on Nancy Keller
Welcome to the Umbra Health Advocacy Advocate Q&A series, where we introduce you to our community of healthcare experts and enthusiasts. In this post, we are thrilled to present Nancy Keller — who has been in the healthcare industry for over 40 years and is still going strong. She’s a medical scientist with an insatiable…
Read MoreWill AI Transform Your Healthcare? Here’s What You Need To Know
Whether you’re already using ChatGPT to write your emails or you’re wary of artificial intelligence (AI), there’s no avoiding it. AI is permeating every aspect of modern life, including healthcare. But what does AI mean for you? Here are some key things to know about AI in healthcare. What is AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) refers…
Read MoreHow To Spot Medical Gaslighting And Overcome It
When a doctor dismisses your health concerns or ignores your symptoms, it may be medical gaslighting. But listening to your instincts can save your life.
Read MoreIs Your Doctor Listening? How to Get the Healthcare Answers You Need
It can be hard to get healthcare answers, especially when you don’t feel heard. Having an advocate by your side can make all the difference.
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