The Authors
Z. Colette Edwards
Physician, medical group medical director, health disparities medical executive, healthcare consultant, and caregiver
Charlene Rothkopf
Executive coach, management consultant, human resource executive, patient and family advisory council co-chair, and patient
We’re a doctor and a patient who have dealt with the healthcare system professionally and personally.
We believe you have the POWER to take charge of your health.
WE WROTE THIS BOOK BECAUSE
We are passionate about health, well-being, and the healthcare system.
We hope the messages from those who have shared their stories, along with the lessons learned from our own experiences and expertise, will serve as a guiding light on your health and well-being journey, wherever it may lead.
OUR STORY
How this book came to be
CHARLENE
In 2008, I had a seizure due to a brain tumor. While the initial surgery was successful, I subsequently experienced complications along with multiple surgeries. Up until that point, I considered myself to be somewhat knowledgeable about how the healthcare system worked and capable of getting the help I needed. My experience as a patient proved that I was completely wrong. Getting to the right healthcare provider and finding the most appropriate treatment proved to be both challenging and frustrating.
After reflecting on my own experience and hearing similar stories from others, I decided to share my lessons learned, as well as those of others, and use these as a springboard to help patients and caregivers get the healthcare they need and deserve. I asked Colette if she was interested in joining me in this effort to bring a physician's perspective and expertise to this mission.
Z. COLETTE
I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a doctor. My father was a physician, and as a child, from time to time, I would watch from the waiting room as patients entered his office looking one way and then, later, emerge looking quite another. There was clearly something magical happening during that interaction. Furrowed brows, downcast eyes, or a look of fatigue were replaced by looks of relief, a sense of calm, or a stance of determination to fight whatever condition might be causing their physical or mental distress.
Now, as I look back on my training days in internship, residency, and fellowship, and, later on, my days in practice, certain moments are indelibly etched in my mind. I had the best role model in my father and received an excellent medical school education and training. I have come to realize the fundamentals of quality, compassionate care, and stellar clinical outcomes remain the same.
IT IS OUR HOPE
that OUR COMBINED PERSPECTIVES—as a patient and caregiver, as well as professionally—will bring greater clarity and guidance as you navigate your own unique healthcare journey.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
“Navigating Your Healthcare Journey” is the ideal companion as one journeys, as patient and advocate, through the morass that is healthcare in this country today.
It provides the tools to address healthcare decisions with awareness, focus and confidence. You will refer to this guide often as a trusted resource – its format is readable, informative and actionable.”
– Magda Barini-Garcia, MD, MPH
Health Policy Physician
Former Senior Medical Advisor on Minority Health & Health Disparities and Quality
For the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Center for Quality
Captain, United States Public Health Service (Retired)
