Empowering Women to Advocate in A Broken Healthcare System

Meaning and Moxie After 50

What happens when you trust your doctor, only to find out later that the surgery you underwent was unnecessary? Join me, as I sit down with Susan, an inspiring author and researcher, who shares her incredible journey of self-advocacy after such an experience. Susan's book, "Sidelined: How Women Can Navigate a Broken Healthcare System," sheds light on the importance of questioning medical authority and being proactive in healthcare decisions. Through her extensive research, including interviews with over 60 women, Susan reveals the common fears and hesitations that hold many back from seeking second opinions or challenging their doctors' advice.
We'll dive into the unique challenges women face in medical settings, such as the fear of being labeled difficult or the pressure to comply with recommendations. Susan and I also discuss practical strategies for feeling more comfortable with a diagnosis, asking thorough questions, and taking the time necessary to make well-informed decisions. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for anyone looking to better advocate for their health or the health of their loved ones.
Bio:
Susan Salenger is the author and researcher behind SIDELINED: How Women Can Navigate A Broken Healthcare System. Sidelined examines the many ways in which some women manage and sometimes mismanage their healthcare.

Susan explores how women, typically the medical gatekeepers for their families, tend to be extremely conscientious about taking care of themselves, yet at the same time inadvertently undermine their own care. They often hesitate to call the doctor when they don’t feel well and worry that their doctor visit will take time away from their families or work. They may hesitate to ask doctors the necessary questions and don’t always comply with the doctor’s instructions. Salenger’s research reveals how conflicted many women are about the medical decisions they ultimately make.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan attended UCLA to study English. After graduation, she worked alongside her husband Fred for 25 years at their production company, Salenger Films, which produced corporate training and development films distributed worldwide. Today, at age 81, Susan lives in Northern California to be near her incredible family which includes her two daughters, four grandchildren, a cat named Max and a dog named JD (Salenger). When she is not speaking about her book or spending time with family and friends, you will find Susan power lifting to stay in shape.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL HANDLES:

https://www.susansalenger.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@grandma.gains

https://www.instagram.com/susansalenger/

https://www.facebook.com/suesalenger/

https://twitter.com/susansalenger

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salenger-a4a02716/

@shewritesdotcom (IG)

@shewritespress (FB)

Link to buy the book
**The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This podcast contains links to other third party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.

Chapters

1. Empowering Women to Advocate in A Broken Healthcare System (00:00:00)

2. Navigating Healthcare Decisions After 50 (00:00:01)

3. Empowering Patients to Advocate for Themselves (00:06:43)

4. Choosing Doctors (00:16:56)

5. Self-Care and Women's Health Advocacy (00:27:45)

6. Empowering Health Advocacy After 50 (00:35:49)