What if trauma from your past is impacting your health today—and no one’s talking about it? Join me and Dr. Heather Quaile as we talk about the essential truths about trauma-informed care and midlife health.

Heather, a seasoned nurse practitioner and sexual medicine expert, shares her journey from traditional healthcare to creating a compassionate, patient-centered approach that addresses the real-life challenges women face, especially in midlife.

We dive into how trauma—whether it’s from childhood, medical experiences, or societal pressures—can manifest in symptoms like severe menopause and chronic pain. Heather breaks down the "big T" and "little t" traumas and explains how acknowledging these experiences can transform patient care. We also discuss the power of the ACE score (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and how it should be a part of every clinician's toolkit.

Heather shares her experience working with trafficking survivors, addressing not just the immediate medical needs but the long-term emotional recovery these patients require. Her work highlights the importance of creating safe, empowering healthcare environments that consider the whole patient—mind, body, and history.

We also discuss why finding the right provider for midlife care is crucial and how to identify clinicians who prioritize evidence-based, patient-centered treatment. From understanding the principles of trauma-informed care to advocating for your health, this episode is packed with practical advice and deep insights.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges the status quo and reminds us all of the importance of compassionate, informed care.

Highlights:

• The connection between trauma and worsening menopause symptoms.
• What trauma-informed care means and why it’s vital in healthcare settings.
• How ACE scores help identify patients at higher risk for chronic health conditions.
• Heather’s work with trafficking survivors and lessons for all healthcare providers.
• Tips for finding the right provider for midlife and sexual health.

Heather’s Bio:

Heather’s Bio:

Dr. Heather Quaile, (she/her) is a renowned clinical and academic leader and

entrepreneur. A double board certified, women’s and gender health nurse practitioner

and advanced forensic nurse specializing in human trafficking and female sexual health.

She is a thought leader and creator of the Just Ask podcast. Dr. Quaile is also trained

and certified as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, AASECT sex counselor and

sexual assault nurse examiner providing sexual health education, trauma-informed

care, and information to patients of all ages. She created and implemented a medical

program for emergency stabilization for commercial sexual exploitation of youth in

Georgia. Dr. Quaile has been working in all aspects of women’s healthcare for over 23

years caring for women of all ages across the health-illness continuum and recognized

the lack of sexual health awareness not just in her community but in its providers. She

founded, developed, and implemented her private practice The Sexual Health

Optimization and Wellness (SHOW) Center. Her goal is to help guide patients through

their healthcare journey and provide a range of services that address the

biopsychosocial aspects of health, wellness, optimization, and sexuality.  She is

passionate about changing the systems and beliefs that have stigmatized women’s

health and female sexuality through a non-judgmental, empathic approach grounded in

evidence-based research. She is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of

Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and Fellow of the American Academy of Nurse

Practitioners.  She is the chair of the ISSWSH scientific committee and past Treasurer

of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. She is on the

National Menopause Foundation medical advisory committee as well as the Governor’s

Task for human trafficking and sex offenders. She is widely published in the field of

women’s health, trauma-informed care, and is a highly sought after speaker for lectures

to international and national audiences.

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