The Empowered Patient

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In this episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , host Maria Cortina speaks with Laura Carrie, a passionate pre-med student at Sarah Lawrence College with dreams of becoming a child psychiatrist. Laura opens up about the experiences that shaped her calling, from volunteering with adolescents at NewYork-Presbyterian to her upcoming studies at Oxford. They dive into the importance of emotional sup...

In this episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , Maria Cortina speaks with  David Friedman , a certified pharmacy technician and healthcare advocate who bridges the gap between insurance systems and patient care. With a business administration background and hands-on retail pharmacy experience, David shares how he found purpose in helping patients navigate complex systems with compassion. From...

In this episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , host Maria Cortina sits down with nurse Mary Collette to discuss the realities of patient care, the challenges of nursing post-COVID, and the critical role of advocacy in healthcare. Mary shares her journey from studying neuroscience to becoming a nurse, reflecting on how her experiences as an EMT and medical assistant shaped her perspective. The...

In this episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , we sit down with Grace Carter, a biomedical engineering student, college athlete, and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Grace shares her academic journey, the challenges of balancing rigorous coursework with athletics, and her experiences conducting research in biomechanics and drug discovery. She also opens up about navigating the...

In this episode, Maria Cortina and Naina delve into the dynamic intersection of neuroscience, memory, and healthcare. They explore Naina’s journey from a childhood curiosity in psychology to a passionate pursuit of neuroscientific research—detailing her personal experiences with mental health, navigating the healthcare system, and the challenges of medical miscommunication. With insights on topics...

In this insightful episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , host Maria Cortina welcomes patient advocate, health and wellness coach, and MS warrior Michele Weston. Michele shares her journey of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 25 years ago and how it led her to patient advocacy. She discusses the importance of self-advocacy, navigating the healthcare system, and ensuring patients have th...

In this episode of  The Empowered Patient Podcast , host Maria Cortina sits down with Katey Beaver, a sophomore at Sarah Lawrence College who lives with a severe peanut allergy. Katie shares her journey navigating life-threatening allergic reactions—from childhood to a recent ER visit during college. She opens up about the anxiety that comes with everyday food choices, the importance of speaking u...

In this episode of The Empowered Patient Podcast , Maria Cortina talks with pre-med student and patient advocate Ava Warren about the power of advocacy in healthcare. Ava shares how her own experiences with severe allergies inspired her passion for patient-centered care and equitable access. From her internship at NYU Langone Bellevue Hospital to her work educating others, Ava discusses the import...

Welcome to the Empowered Patient Podcast, hosted by Maria Cortina