My Bio:
Pat Elliott has provided healthcare information to consumers for more than 20 years as a journalist, blogger and public relations professional, working for major healthcare systems and organizations. She’s also an expert in technology and healthcare technology, working as an employee and volunteer for organizations developing new, cutting edge services for clinicians and consumers.

Pat enjoys being a translator – turning complex jargon and concepts into everyday language that enables people to better understand their own health needs; stay on top of new developments; communicate clearly with medical practitioners and become informed, active participants in managing their own health and/or supporting others.

My Story:
I became interested in healthcare as a journalist who covered stories about treatment advances, courageous patients, community issues and the business side of the industry. This led to working in public relations for large hospital systems and volunteerism for several organizations. Early on it was clear that informed patients who participate in the process have better outcomes and the quality of their lives is improved.

I was privileged to be part of an all-female team in the Midwest who developed one of the country’s first self-referral breast screening centers for women. Our goal was to reduce morbidity and mortality by providing educational services and options at a time when women were dying because breast cancer wasn’t openly discussed. It worked, and I’m proud to say that lives were saved. Ironically, I later moved to California and was diagnosed with breast cancer. There were no services available that came close to our Midwest center and, worse, some hospitals were advertising breast cancer centers that were nothing more than hype and fancy signs put up in existing radiology departments that did nothing specific to meet the needs of female patients. The journey and battle that I encountered are seared in my mind, and made me a lifelong advocate for women’s health. My treatment was successful and I’ve been a breast cancer survivor for more than 20 years.

In September 2009 I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. The cause is unknown and there are almost no symptoms. CML is a lifelong condition with lifelong risk factors. It can’t be cured, but can be treated via highly targeted drug therapy and changes in lifestyle. CML used to be fatal – today those who learn how to manage and adhere to treatment regimens live long, healthy and rich lives. My journey of learning to live well with CML has been strongly enhanced by having both a physical and virtual support network of friends, family, clinicians and others, including total strangers.

I learned about EmpowHer.com shortly after diagnosis and was immediately impressed by the integrity of the clinical information; the company’s values and mission; and, above all, the power of shared community. I KNOW women can change their healthcare experiences through support and advocacy, and am honored to have been asked to be an advocate for others. I will work on your behalf just as strongly as I work on my own behalf every single day. Thank you for including me in your journey.