In this episode, Dr. Amani Alnimr is joined by Vanessa Carter, a change-maker, communicator, and survivor of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Vanessa shares her deeply personal journey, which began after a severe car accident and a decade-long battle with recurring infections. Her experience with medical miscommunication and the lack of patient-centred care led her to become a global advocate. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Patient-led advocacy is a powerful force: Vanessa Carter's personal struggle with AMR and medical systems revealed a critical gap in communication, leading her to create a platform and a global movement that bridges the divide between patients and policymakers.

Lived experience is a form of data: Patient voices, stories, and insights are not just anecdotes; they are a rich data source that should be used to co-design healthcare solutions, leading to more relevant and effective outcomes.

Communication is a core pillar of care: The lack of clear communication about antibiotic resistance and treatment plans can be as harmful as a misdiagnosis. Patients must be empowered to ask questions and take an active role in their self-advocacy.

Advocacy is a calling, not a job: The effort of a patient advocate is often a labour of passion and purpose. Support systems, mentorship from both clinicians and other patients, and creating safe spaces for sharing are crucial to prevent re-traumatisation and burnout.

The future of AMR innovation is patient-driven: The next wave of breakthroughs in health tech and policy may not come from a lab, but from survivors who, like Vanessa, are inspired to build new systems, from prompt tracking apps to patient-centred care models.

BEST MOMENTS

"I didn't ask what was a test. I just stopped taking them, and I said, well, this medicine's not working, so why should I take them?"

"What was a turning point for me in my life was when I realized what was happening to me was that my infection was so special that antibiotics weren't working on it."

"I was told I'm a patient that's just supposed to listen to the doctors."

"We don't need to be scientists to be a part of the conversation... Our job as patients is to be experts in our own illness and to share that expertise."

"I realized that I needed to tell my story to help other people, not just for myself, but for the millions of other people that are infected with MRSA and other resistant infections around the world."

TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST

https://www.instagram.com/themedicspodcast/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-medics-podcast/about/?viewAsMember=true 

HOST BIO

Dr Alnimr empowers clinicians, academics, and health professionals to transform their expertise into scalable, evidence-based solutions—without compromising their professional integrity. Her deep understanding of medical research methodology, combined with a talent for demystifying complex systems, positions her as a leading voice in the evolution of healthcare careers.

Through The Medics Podcast, she shares strategic insights, case studies, and frameworks designed to help healthcare experts build meaningful, sustainable impact beyond the traditional clinical path. 

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/