Empowering women to take charge of their health

In an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Susan LePlae Miller, founder of Pieces of I, discussed her personal and professional journey in advocating for improved health care communication and empowerment, particularly in women's health and breast cancer.

Miller has been working in the field of women’s health for over 4 and a half years, with a focus on educating women to take charge of their health. This involves encouraging them to have better, more informed conversations with their healthcare providers.

One of the main themes in the discussion was the importance of patients becoming active participants in their own health care journey. Miller emphasized the need for women, particularly those going through menopause or dealing with breast cancer, to educate themselves about their health conditions and symptoms. Through her work with the platform My Density Matters, she aims to help women gain knowledge and confidence to take action in their health care by working collaboratively with their doctors. By learning more about their health, women can make informed decisions not only for themselves but also for their loved ones.

Additionally, Miller noted the significance of preparation before medical appointments. She suggested writing down symptoms and questions in advance, and if possible, submitting them to doctors ahead of time through patient portals. This ensures that important concerns are addressed, especially considering how busy doctors can be. The relationship between a patient and doctor should be viewed as a partnership, with the patient actively advocating for their health and the doctor serving as part of the health care team.

Another key point raised is the need for self-advocacy in monitoring health conditions. Miller compared managing one’s health to managing financial health, such as with a 401k or IRA. Just as individuals must manage their financial investments, they should also stay on top of their health metrics. If test results such as cholesterol levels are off, patients should not wait for doctors to notice but take proactive steps to discuss these issues. However, she advised balancing self-advocacy with giving doctors grace and understanding for their workload.

Ultimately, Miller advocated for ownership of one’s health, urging women not to let shame or stigma prevent them from living fully. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of living in the present and taking responsibility for personal health.