Speak Up For Your Health

Archelle Georgiou, MD
  • 5.0 (37)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.

  1. 1d ago

    Prostate Cancer: Watch. Operate. Radiate. Medicate? One Patient, Four Recommendations

    Prostate cancer treatment isn't one-size-fits-all — and neither is the decision-making that goes with it. Greg Olson, a 72-year-old engineer, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and initially chose active surveillance. But when his cancer turned aggressive, he found himself weighing surgery, radiation, and medication — with several specialists giving him several different recommendations. His story is really about something bigger than prostate cancer: how anyone facing a serious diagnosis can research their options, navigate conflicting medical opinions, and make a decision they can live with. Key Takeaways Know your family history — and use it. Be familiar with your own family history, share it proactively with your doctor, and find out what it means for your own screening. Do your research so you can ask the right questions. Greg understod all his options, from medication, radiation, and surgery to even understanding different surgical techniques. You don't need to become an expert. You just need to know enough to ask good questions. Explore every option, even the ones your doctor doesn't mention. If your doctor only recommends one treatment, that's a red flag. Keep asking, keep researching. Make the decision you feel comfortable with. Greg wished he'd moved faster when he was first diagnosed, but he feels no regret. He made the best decision he could with what he knew at the time. There's no perfect decision — only a best decision, and that's the one you can be at peace with, regardless of the outcome. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth #ProstateCancer #ProstateCancerAwareness #ActiveSurveillance #RoboticSurgery #SharedDecisionMaking #CancerTreatment #PatientAdvocacy #SecondOpinion #MensHealth #GeneticTesting

  2. 5d ago

    Beyond Ozempic: One Man's Search for the Right Obesity Treatment

    About 1 in 8 adults is currently taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro for weight loss — but what happens when those medications aren't enough? In this episode, 68-year-old Dana Bichler – currently a Protodeacon and former power lifter – talks about battling obesity for years. Dana tried multiple medications including Ozempic and Mounjaro. These GLP-1 drugs helped but only temporarily. When his obesity led to a life-threatening diagnosis, Dana agreed to an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty a minimally invasive surgical procedure that permanently reshapes the stomach. This conversation covers the full spectrum of obesity treatment options — from medications to balloons to endoscopic surgery to major surgery. Key Takeaways: Excess weight can lead to serious medical complications. Dana's brother died of fatty liver disease caused by obesity. The stakes are real. Address obesity before it's too late. Dana waited almost two long. Don't wait for a crisis to be the thing that inspires you to take action. There are multiple options for treating obesity, and if one doesn't work, that is not the end of the road. The least invasive option that works for you is always the right place to start. But if it doesn't work, something else might. Don't lose hope that nothing will. Your doctors will each suggest what THEY know best and feel comfortable with. Your job is to advocate for yourself by knowing all the options available. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth

  3. Jun 16

    The $25,000 Hip Replacement: What Canadian Healthcare Looks Like From the Inside

    What does universal healthcare actually look like when you need it most? James Yersh lives in Ottawa, Canada — covered by the national health system his entire life. But when hip arthritis progressed to the point where he needed a total hip replacement, he found himself waiting for so long that he paid $25,000 out of pocket for surgery in another province. In this episode, James shares what it took to navigate Canada's public healthcare system. And since he has spent most of his career working alongside US companies and colleagues navigating employer-sponsored insurance — he has a unique perspective on the comparison between the Canadian (single payer) and US (market-based) systems. This episode doesn't take a political position. It just shows that no system is a perfect solution — and no matter where you live, you have to advocate for yourself. Key Takeaways Talk to people like you. James didn't know private orthopedic clinics existed in Quebec until a friend mentioned it. Peer conversations can surface options doctors may not mention. Seek them out. Do your homework. James spent hours researching his surgery center's outcomes and he educated himself on the type of hip replacement with the best long-term durability. Being informed means you can ask the right questions and be confident that you are getting the care you want and need. Rehabilitation is your responsibility. James was religious about his physical therapy exercises. Eight weeks later, he was on a business trip and walking normally. That kind of recovery doesn't happen by accident. Take rehab seriously. Don't underestimate virtual care. James didn't meet his surgeon until the day before his operation, and his entire post-op follow-up was done by telehealth. It was a reminder that when virtual care is done well, it can dramatically expand access to care. Want to connect with Archelle? You can: You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribe to the ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare tips https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter Subscribe Archelle's insights on Substack for her perspective on the healthcare system: https://substack.com/@archealth #UniversalHealthcare #CanadianHealthcare #HipReplacement #HealthcareReform #PatientAdvocacy #HealthInsurance #HealthcareAccess #Telehealth #HealthLiteracy #SpeakUpForYourHealth #HealthPodcast #PatientStories #HealthcareCosts #SinglePayer #HealthcareNavigation

  4. May 28

    High-Functioning but Exhausted: The Face of ADHD in Women

    What does ADHD actually look like in a high-functioning adult woman? Not hyperactivity — more often, it looks like exhaustion. The kind that comes from working twice as hard just to keep up. Athena Hays was 34 when she was finally diagnosed. As a successful entrepreneur and founder of her own photography business, nothing about her life looked like the textbook picture of ADHD. But behind the scenes, she was running on compensation strategies, anxiety, and a brain that never stopped. If you've ever wondered whether you might have ADHD — or you know a woman who seems to have it all together but always seems depleted — this conversation is for you. In this episode: Why ADHD in women is so frequently missed — even by physicians What a thorough adult ADHD evaluation actually looks like How to find a psychiatrist and what to ask before starting medication What your pharmacy benefit may not be telling you about the cost of your prescription Key Takeaways: A diagnosis matters only if it changes your treatment options. If it opens a door to something that actually helps — medication, therapy, a behavioral change — it's worth pursuing. If you're functioning well and a label won't change how you're treated or how you treat yourself, you don't need one. Ask about all your treatment options before you leave the appointment, including the tradeoffs. That conversation is much easier to have in the office than after you've started down a path. Before you go to the pharmacy, log into your insurer's member portal and use their drug cost comparison tool — search by the generic name, that's usually how it's listed. Knowing the cost in advance means you can discuss alternatives with your doctor or find a coupon if that makes sense for your situation. Talk about mental health — because mental health is mental wellness. Links Connect with Athena: https://www.empiriastudios.com/ You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Read Archelle's insights on Substack (@archealth) #MentalHealth #ADHD #HealthAdvocacy #WomensHealth #ADHDWomen #SpeakUpForYourHealth

  5. May 12

    A Hidden Condition Affecting 1 in 20 People—and the Shame Behind It

    For over 20 years, Aneela Idnani hid a condition affecting 1 in 20 people—trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) driven by the brain, not choice. After her husband discovered her secret, she turned that moment into a mission—building a device to help others interrupt these behaviors and reclaim control. Then came a breast cancer diagnosis, and a powerful shift: learning to listen to her body instead of fighting it. Aneela talks about what it really takes to move from shame to self-awareness. Key Takeaways Body-focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are repetitive pulling, picking, biting, or scraping of the hair, skin, nails, lips, or cheeks. If this sounds familiar for you or someone you love, let them know that they can get help. One helpful resource is the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. Here's a link: https://www.bfrb.org/what-are-bfrbs BFRBs are not self-harm. BFRBs are not self-harm. They're the brain's attempt to self-soothe and return to a state of calm. That distinction matters because the treatment is different. A mental health professional who specializes in BFRBs is the right first call. And for some, a wearable device can help bridge the gap between unconscious habit and conscious awareness. Dance with your challenges. Don't fight them. Meeting a health condition or any hard thing with curiosity rather than resistance changes what's possible. Stress doesn't cause cancer, but it does matter. There's no direct causal link between stress and cancer, but chronic stress affects sleep, immunity, and daily choices in ways that add up. Shame thrives in silence. Aneela hid her condition for over 20 years. What finally shifted things was driven by awareness, then connection, then community. Connect with Aneela and learn more about her story and BFRB Pre-order her book, "Aneela, Where Are Your Eyebrows?" Link to Habit Aware. A Keen bracelet might be a helpful device. You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Following Archelle on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook #MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #BFRB #HealthAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealth #BreastCancerAwareness #ListenToYourBody #MindBodyConnection #SpeakUpForYourHealth

  6. Apr 28

    High-Functioning Alcoholic: A Healthcare Executive’s Journey to Sobriety

    Have you ever wondered if you drink too much? Regardless of your answer, just asking yourself that question deserves a pause because nearly 30 million Americans have alcohol use disorder — and many are “high-functioning” – succeeding professionally while quietly struggling. In this episode, former healthcare executive Noel Rihm shares her 25-year battle with alcoholism and the realization that changed everything: alcohol wasn’t the problem — it was the solution to deeper pain. This conversation will challenge how you think about addiction, sobriety, and your own relationship with alcohol. Key Takeaways Being high functioning doesn't mean you're okay. High performers are especially good at masking serious struggle. If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, that question itself is worth paying attention to. For some people, alcohol isn't the problem. It's the treatment. If alcohol is being used to manage anxiety, trauma, or emotional pain, addressing the drinking alone may not be enough. There is no one size fits all approach to recovery. If a treatment intervention isn't working, it doesn't mean you've failed. It may mean the treatment isn't right for you. Also, the motivation for real change has to come from within. You can support someone, but you cannot force them to heal before they're ready. Addiction doesn't just affect the individual. It affects everyone around them. Living with or working alongside someone with addiction can create its own form of stress and trauma. Healing often needs to extend beyond just the individual. To Learn More About Noel and Kaleidoscope: Read Noel's book, Sober With A Twist Learn about the services that Kaleidoscope provides: https://kaleidoscope68.org/ You can follow and/or get in touch with Archelle by Subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Following Archelle on ⁠Substack⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook

  7. Apr 28

    He Chose Surgery At A Hospital Known For Poor Outcomes–Here's Why

    Choosing a hospital for cardiac surgery is one of the most important decisions a patient can make — and most of us do it wrong. Health policy analyst Paul Keckley, PhD has spent 45 years studying the U.S. healthcare system. Then he became a patient. When he was diagnosed with a 95% coronary artery blockage, he made a decision that shocked everyone around him: he chose to have his quadruple bypass at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina — a facility with four safety citations and mounting community outrage over its for-profit owner, HCA. He wanted to experience the hospital firsthand and assess the criticism himself. What he found was the full spectrum of American hospital care — fragmented, understaffed, and in moments, exceptional. And after living it from the inside, his biggest takeaway wasn't about the hospital. It was about us. Key Takeaways: Research your surgeon independently. Try to find data on their outcomes, meet them in person, and ask the tough questions. Own your own medical records. Know how to use the portal for every health system where you receive care so your records are always at your fingertips. Expect the hospital to get you through surgery. Expect the rest to be on you. Coordination of care after discharge between hospitals, specialists, and rehab programs is where the system routinely falls short. Plan for that gap. Build your support system before you need it. Caregiver support is critical. Learn how to be a patient. Paul's biggest takeaway after 45 years is that personal accountability is the most under leveraged force in American healthcare, and we never teach it. Start now. Links: To connect with Paul, I highly recommend subscribing to The Keckley Report, a weekly in-depth analysis and updates on industry trends and insights.  To connect with Archelle, you can Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠ArcHealth newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Follow Archelle on Substack⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and Facebook

  8. Mar 24

    He Was a Wellness Expert—Then a Skiing Accident Changed His Definition of Health

    He spent his career teaching people how to be healthy—until a skiing accident forced him to live it. Dr. Seth Serxner, a leading expert in health literacy and workplace wellness, went from running six miles a day to fighting his way back from a devastating crash and life-threatening injuries. In this episode of Speak Up For Your Health, Seth and I talk about what happens when a wellness expert becomes the patient—why self-advocacy matters, what recovery really takes, and whether it truly takes a crisis to change your health. Kay Takeaways You have to advocate for yourself, even if you're receiving great care. Details matter and care is complicated. And, when you're really sick, you may not be in a position to process information or make decisions clearly. So have an advocate, someone who can ask questions and think on your behalf. Speak up about whether you're truly ready to be discharged. Just because the medical team says you're ready doesn't always mean that you are. Being ready means you have a clear plan regarding who your medical team will be when you get home, what support you'll need from family or caregivers, and knowing what equipment you may need at home to be safe. Be adherent to your treatment plan. Don't blindly following medical advice, but if a plan makes sense to you, then you own it. Recovery often depends on what you do after you leave the hospital. Real behavior change starts with purpose. Finding your purpose is often as simple as answering the question, "why should I even bother?" Surround that purpose with connection and a positive outlook. Links Seth's book: The Wellbeing Effect: Bite-Sized Practices for Busy People to Lead Happier, Healthier Lives Seth's podcast: :Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast Connect with Archelle Subscribe to the ⁠ArcHealth newsletter⁠ Follow ⁠Archelle's Substack Instagram Archelle_GeorgiouMD

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5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Advocating for your health is important, but it’s not easy. In Speak Up For Your Health, Dr. Archelle Georgiou talks with patients about how they overcame feeling intimidated by today’s complex medical system and used their voice to finally get the care they needed. These personal stories along with Archelle’s practical tips will empower you to have a balanced (non-paternalistic) relationship with your healthcare provider.

Information

  • Creator
    Archelle Georgiou, MD
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023-2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Up For Your Health

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