Prominent University of Maryland Physician Explains How To Be Your Own Health Advocate

Knowing how to communicate concerns and desires to your physician is crucial in receiving the correct medical diagnosis and treatment. According to a study at Rutger’s University, “when doctors are familiar with their patients – how they’re feeling, what their concerns are, and what they do in life – they are more successful in meeting individual needs.”

On November 13, 2014, The Lutheran Village at MILLER’S GRANT, a planned not-for-profit continuing care retirement care community, will host Stephen C. Schimpff, MD, former CEO of University of Maryland Medical Center, who will provide Howard County area seniors with tips on advocating for the best health care possible.

During the informative event, Dr. Schimpff will educate attendees on how to combat chronic illnesses. He will also outline how to choose a primary care physician who encourages a working doctor-patient relationship. “When the Primary Care Physician can offer you the time needed to carefully listen to your concerns and develop a true relationship, then you will receive superior care and good advice with exemplary preventive health approaches,” he says.

Dr. Schimpff will also highlight ways in which the patient needs to be prepared before visiting the doctor so that every concern is clearly communicated and can be addressed. Patients must have the courage to speak up about their symptoms in order to receive the best treatment in return.

Stephen C. Schimpff is the author of The Future of Health-Care Delivery: Why It Must Change and How It Will Affect You. He is the retired CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center and a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine.