Experiencing Unconscious Bias From Your Provider? Storytelling Can Help

Speak Up For Your Health

In this episode, the guest, Eyenga Bokamba, shares how she advocated for her mother who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. When Eyenga sensed that negative stereotyping was limiting her mom’s treatment options, she used storytelling to help the care team “see” her mom beyond just the diagnosis.

Key takeaways:

· You are ALWAYS more than your diagnosis. Don’t refer to yourself as a "cancer patient" or "diabetic." You are a person with cancer or someone who has diabetes.

· Tell your story. When you are with a medical provider, share something interesting about yourself – a work project, a hobby, something fun you did recently.

· Invite a friend or a family member to your visits. They can amplify your story.

· Role-play before medical visits to help you visualize how various treatment alternatives will unfold and identify questions that you might not have thought about.

Links:

• See Eyenga Bokamba’s work: https://www.eyengabokambapaintings.com/
• To get in touch with Archelle:

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