Patience and Patients with BJ Miller

Our podcast is hosted on Spotify and Anchor.

Dr. BJ Miller leads an informal and interactive conversation on being a patient. 

A change in your “health” can feel like changes to yourself, begging the question: who am I now? Being a patient brings its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. You’re widely considered to be the one in need, but the truth is more complicated than that. Projection, attention, misunderstanding, infantilization, pity, all are commonly fielded when you’re the one in the vulnerable seat. Attendees share their own experiences, and BJ also addresses attendees questions on the topic.

Show Notes:

0:00 Introduction

2:00 Generalities of being a patient

2:35 Not handing yourself over to a doctor as a patient

3:30 The momentum of a hospital system

3:50 Importance of speaking up for yourself

4:30 Creating a patient/doctor partnership

5:35 Skil-set to being a patient

7:27 Watch out for hyper-vigilant mode

10:14 The myth of autonomy and independence

11:50 Asking for help

15:05 Asking for help, and understanding you may not get the response you expect

23:15 The reciprocity of care-giving and care-receiving between patients and caregivers

24:25 Letting go of the things you can’t control

25:22 The humility and grace of being a patient

25:50 What helps to create a space of relaxation

29:29 How can people in rural areas get more support?

34:30 How to advocate for patients as a clinician, at all moments, including hospice?

40:35 The identiy of “patient” vs. “person”, diminishing aspects of being labeled a “patient”

42:45 Defining patient for yourself

45:05 Importance of bearing witness as a caregiver or clinician

51:50 Suggestion for Caregivers and patients: Trauma Stewardship - https://traumastewardship.com/

52:35 Defining our core values and what’s most important to us

53:55 Using illness or changes in your health to reinvent yourself

55:07 Guidance on how to find a palliative care team?

Join us in an upcoming event!

Get a complimentary session

Learn more about our services and see how Mettle Health can help you, or someone you’re caring for, by booking a short 20-minute complimentary consultation to discuss your situation with one of our counselors and find the best fit for future appointment types. You can join solo, or bring others in the care circle.