Biology and Biography: Shared Decision-Making in Your Healthcare

4 Mar

Dr Susannah:

Today, I talk with Dr. Susannah Graham, a leading breast surgeon who champions patient-centred care. She shares her insights on empowering patients to communicate their wants and needs effectively, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare that respects your autonomy, values, and life priorities.

How do you make healthcare decisions that balance the biology of a diagnosis—the research-based facts and figures—with the biography of what matters to you and how you want to live your life?

Join us as we unpack how shared decision-making improves patient satisfaction and well-being, empowering you to shape your healthcare—not just as a patient, but as a person.

Your doctor is a partner in your care

Together, we discuss:
·      What shared decision-making is and why it matters, particularly for women.
·      How to actively participate in healthcare decisions to feel more informed, confident, and in control.
·      Your role as a patient and the role of the healthcare professional in shared decision-making.
·      Strategies to communicate openly and feel confident in your choices, even when discussing complex topics.
·      Real-life examples of shared decision-making in breast cancer care, including navigating reconstruction options after a mastectomy.
·      Balancing medical recommendations with your personal values, lifestyle, and preferences.

If you want to learn more about decision-making, listen to Marilyn Barefoot’s episode ‘How Creative Thinking (and a Rubber Chicken) Can Help You Make Health Decisions’.

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