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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 support in healthcare, the power of community, and how empathy is shaping the next generation of doctors.

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 prior authorizations and specialty medications to co-pay assistance and Medicare Part D tools, David highlights the everyday barriers patients face—and how miscommunication can turn small issues into major setbacks. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he uses empathy, active listening, and advocacy to ensure patients are seen as people, not just data points.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change in healthcare starts with human connection.

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 conversation covers workplace violence, gender disparities in nursing, and the stigma surrounding substance use disorder in medical treatment. With an honest look at the struggles and triumphs of modern healthcare professionals, Mary offers insight into the resilience of nurses and the importance of patient-centered care. Tune in for a powerful discussion on the evolving landscape of healthcare and the push for systemic change.

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 healthcare system as a patient with epilepsy, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy in medicine. Join us for an insightful conversation on perseverance, passion, and the power of speaking up for yourself in every aspect of life.

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 ranging from PCOS and ER experiences to groundbreaking studies on PTSD memory, the conversation shines a light on how our brains work, the importance of self-advocacy, and the role of diversity in research. Join them for a thoughtful and engaging discussion that bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and everyday life.

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 the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. From understanding HIPAA rights to finding the right doctor, Michele sheds light on the challenges and victories of advocating for better healthcare. Tune in to learn why patient advocacy is essential and how we can all become stronger advocates for ourselves and others.

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 up about allergies, and the need for better societal awareness. Tune in to hear Katie's story, her thoughts on healthcare support for allergy sufferers, and the advice she has for others living with similar conditions.

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 importance of cultural competency, empathy, and the small actions that can make a big difference. Plus, hear about her own podcast, The Advocacy Blueprint, and her mission to shape the next generation of compassionate doctors.

Welcome to the Empowered Patient Podcast, hosted by Maria Cortina