Chronically Speaking

This episode was recorded a while ago. Right after, I had a huge relapse. Podcasting stopped — not by choice, my body made that call. I'm back. Here's that episode. Dr. Hector Rodriguez is an integrative psychiatrist based in Miami. We talk about trauma, complex PTSD, why the mental health field is broken by specialization, and what it actually means to treat a person instead of a diagnosis. As someone living with complex PTSD myself, this conversation is personal — not theoretical.

Trigger warning: Trauma, War themes. Surprise! We’ve got an extra episode for you! In this special episode, I am joined by Samah Atout, a Belgian Palestinian advocate and Managing Partner at BIB Partners, to reflect on the incredible insights and experiences shared during the Global Mental Health Community Summit (#GMCS25)! Together, we dive into how lived experiences can be a catalyst for meaningful policy change, and explore the practical steps advocates can take to turn global recommendations into local action. In this episode, Samah reflects on the impactful conversations from Day 3 of the summit, which spotlighted people-centered policy change – highlighting how patient participation can rebuild trust, shape better policies, and redefine mental healthcare systems. We also discuss what’s next—focusing on how to build on the summit’s key takeaways to create lasting, real-world change.For a deeper dive into the Summit’s insights, check out our blog: Driving mental health reform through collective action | Boehringer Ingelheim 💬 Join the conversation and be part of the movement that’s putting patients at the heart of progress.

In this episode, Roi Shternin and Dr. Margret Jaeger delve into the critical role of medical anthropology in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges. They explore the shortcomings of the modern healthcare system, including its lack of a holistic approach, overspecialization, and systemic failures. The discussion advocates for greater cultural sensitivity, long-term strategic planning, and improved patient journeys. Tune in as they propose solutions such as integrating nurse practitioners and medical anthropologists into primary care, enhancing professional training, and establishing community health centers to bolster prevention and patient advocacy.

In this episode, taken from a keynote at the Digital Health Ljubljana conference, we address the invisible crisis at the heart of the modern healthcare system: the gap between technological innovation and the lived reality of those it’s meant to serve. For too long, digital health products have been designed for patients rather than with them. This approach often results in tools that meet clinical requirements but fail to account for the cognitive load, physical limitations, and daily hurdles of living with a chronic condition.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Aileen Rice Jones, Head of Public Affairs within Mental Health at Boehringer Ingelheim. This will be Aileen’s first time attending the Global Mental Health Community Summit! With deep expertise in corporate and public affairs, Aileen shares fresh insights into mental health innovation, policy, and advocacy—and how we can drive real-world change from high-level discussions. In this episode, we explore key outcomes from the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, how to move from global recommendations to local, actionable impact, and why collaboration, equity, and patient-centered approaches matter more than ever!  Tune in to our third and final episode of the mini-series to hear all about action and change! This may be the last episode of the series, but it’s only the beginning of what we can achieve together 

We talk a big game about "patient-centricity," but are we truly understanding what patients 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀?My flagship keynote, "𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁?" goes beyond the surface, exploring the 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 driving patient behavior. Based on my 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 of the same name, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂:Uncover the hidden desires that shape patient decisions.Develop strategies to engage and empower your patients.Build lasting relationships that drive loyalty and positive outcomes.𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵. More about me: roishtrernin.com My book: https://tinyurl.com/54b999cw

This is a special series where I explore my journey as a co-host of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community Summit In Episode 2, I sat down with the incredible Falk Schuster, a dedicated advocate who brings a vital lived experience perspective as someone living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). He's also joining us as a speaker on Day 2 of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25), where we are discussing #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether. And how do we redefine #mentalhealth care together? We start by listening to people’s lived experiences. So, join me in listening to Falk as he shares his personal journey and explains why centering people’s voices is non-negotiable for progress. Plus, Falk attended last year’s inaugural event, so we also catch up about the fun we had last year connecting with everyone! He's got some great stories to share about the experience. Tune in for an inspiring discussion! roishternin.com

New podcast series alert. As you all know I’m co-hosting the Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25) this year again, and I’m so excited about it. This year’s event is focused on #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether. Boehringer Ingelheim has invited 60 of the most inspiring and motivated #mentalhealth advocates for three-days of connection, idea-sharing, and action towards meaningful change. It’s exciting! But wait, there’s more! This year I’m bringing you all with me behind the scenes as we plan the #GMCS25. Introducing…. the “Road to the Global Mental Health Community Summit” podcast mini-series! Where you’ll get to see the “magic”, the good, the bad, the ugly. The laughter, the smiles and even sometimes the mistakes. Each episode will feature incredible guests involved in building this event. In this first episode, I sit down with @Vanessa Pott, Head of Global #PatientEngagement at @Boehringer Ingelheim, to reminisce about last year’s event, talk a little about #PatientPoweredProgress and about what makes this year’s event so special. It’s really just a chat with an old friend – tune in! More about me: roishternin.com

We often feel like subjects in our own lives—navigated, tested, and surveyed. We all know that email that arrives after a medical appointment: "How did we do?" We fill out the survey, wondering if our patient feedback truly matters. Today, let's reframe that question. Your feedback isn't just feedback; it's evidence. It's a crucial part of a growing field known as patient experience data, and it's the key to real patient empowerment. Beyond the 1-10 Scale: What is Patient Data? When we think of data, we think of lab results and pain scales. But the most vital patient-reported outcomes (PROs) go far beyond numbers. Real data is the full story of your quality of life. It’s the data point of a waiting room chair being too hard for your back pain. It's the data point of feeling rushed during a consultation. It's the data point of the relief you feel when a doctor finally validates your experience. This qualitative data paints a picture that numbers alone cannot. It measures dignity, feasibility, and compassion within the healthcare system. From Anecdote to Evidence: Driving Systemic Change Your individual story is powerful, but when combined with hundreds of others, it becomes undeniable proof. This collective patient voice is what drives systemic change. It’s how patient advocacy groups can demonstrate the need for better communication protocols, more accessible clinic layouts, or a re-evaluation of a treatment's real-world side effects. Your experience helps build the business case for more compassionate and effective care. Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit: Better Healthcare Communication Improving the quality of patient experience data begins with us. True patient engagement means actively participating in our own care. Here are two simple strategies for effective self-advocacy: * The 30-Second Debrief: After every appointment, take a moment to note one thing that went well and one thing that could have been better. This simple form of symptom tracking and experience logging builds a powerful evidence file over time, making your healthcare communication more precise. * Translate Symptoms into Impact: This is key for shared decision-making. Instead of just saying, "My fatigue is bad," translate it into a functional data point. Say, "My fatigue is so severe that I must choose between taking a shower or making breakfast." This transforms a subjective feeling into a concrete piece of evidence about your quality of life. Your journey with a chronic illness has made you an expert. By consciously documenting and communicating your experience, you shift from being a passive patient to an active research partner in your own care. Your experience is not a byproduct of your illness; it is the evidence that will build a better future for all of us. Learn more about it in my book “What do Patients Want”. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

We often feel like subjects in our own lives—navigated, tested, and surveyed. We all know that email that arrives after a medical appointment: "How did we do?" We fill out the survey, wondering if our patient feedback truly matters. Today, let's reframe that question. Your feedback isn't just feedback; it's evidence. It's a crucial part of a growing field known as patient experience data, and it's the key to real patient empowerment. Beyond the 1-10 Scale: What is Patient Data? When we think of data, we think of lab results and pain scales. But the most vital patient-reported outcomes (PROs) go far beyond numbers. Real data is the full story of your quality of life. It’s the data point of a waiting room chair being too hard for your back pain. It's the data point of feeling rushed during a consultation. It's the data point of the relief you feel when a doctor finally validates your experience. This qualitative data paints a picture that numbers alone cannot. It measures dignity, feasibility, and compassion within the healthcare system. From Anecdote to Evidence: Driving Systemic Change Your individual story is powerful, but when combined with hundreds of others, it becomes undeniable proof. This collective patient voice is what drives systemic change. It’s how patient advocacy groups can demonstrate the need for better communication protocols, more accessible clinic layouts, or a re-evaluation of a treatment's real-world side effects. Your experience helps build the business case for more compassionate and effective care. Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit: Better Healthcare Communication Improving the quality of patient experience data begins with us. True patient engagement means actively participating in our own care. Here are two simple strategies for effective self-advocacy: * The 30-Second Debrief: After every appointment, take a moment to note one thing that went well and one thing that could have been better. This simple form of symptom tracking and experience logging builds a powerful evidence file over time, making your healthcare communication more precise. * Translate Symptoms into Impact: This is key for shared decision-making. Instead of just saying, "My fatigue is bad," translate it into a functional data point. Say, "My fatigue is so severe that I must choose between taking a shower or making breakfast." This transforms a subjective feeling into a concrete piece of evidence about your quality of life. Your journey with a chronic illness has made you an expert. By consciously documenting and communicating your experience, you shift from being a passive patient to an active research partner in your own care. Your experience is not a byproduct of your illness; it is the evidence that will build a better future for all of us. Learn more about it in my book “What do Patients Want”. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

We dive into the critical gap between medical device development and the lived experience of patients. We Need More Patient Voices in MedTech is the essential podcast for innovators, clinicians, patients, and advocates dedicated to ensuring that technology is truly patient-centric. Each week, we bring you unscripted conversations with patients sharing their stories, engineers discussing design flaws and breakthroughs, regulatory experts, and hospital administrators. We explore how integrating patient feedback—from initial concept to post-market surveillance—leads to better outcomes, compliance, and ultimately, more meaningful healthcare. It's time to shift the paradigm from for patients to with patients.

Revolutionizing MedTech: Why Patient Voices are Essential for Innovation In a compelling address, Roy, speaking not as a CEO or medical professional, but as a patient, passionately argued for a fundamental shift in the MedTech industry: the integration of patient voices from the earliest stages of product development. This isn't just about corporate social responsibility; it's about smart business, enhanced user experience, and truly human-centered solutions. The Untapped Goldmine: Lived Experience as Data Roy highlights that current patient involvement in MedTech often stems from regulatory requirements, such as focus groups or clinical trials, rather than a genuine design imperative. However, patients and their caregivers possess an invaluable asset: their "lived experience." This lived experience is a rich "goldmine of data" that remains largely untapped by the industry. By engaging directly with the individuals who will ultimately use their products, MedTech companies can gain profound insights into real-world needs, challenges, and preferences that traditional data sets cannot provide. Learning from Pharma: The Business Case for Patient Engagement The pharmaceutical industry offers a powerful precedent. For many years, pharma has successfully incorporated patient voices throughout their pipelines, and not merely out of altruism. This strategic involvement has led to tangible business benefits, including: Increased Retention: Around 40% higher retention rates. Greater ROI: Improved return on investment. Reduced Redesign: Less need to go back to the drawing board for product modifications. Better Market Access: Smoother entry into target markets. Enhanced Corporate Responsibility: A stronger public image and ethical standing. These benefits demonstrate that integrating patient perspectives is not just a "nice-to-have" but a "must-have" for sustainable growth and success in the healthcare landscape. Beyond Metrics: Addressing Emotions and True Needs While the business case is clear, Roy emphasizes that the core of this movement lies in understanding the "emotions, feelings, and true needs of millions of people" who depend on these technological advancements. Whether the end-user is a patient directly, or a medical professional using a device on a patient, the human element is paramount. Regardless of the business model—B2B, B2B2C, or B2C—the ultimate beneficiaries are people, and their insights are critical for developing solutions that genuinely improve lives. Concrete Steps for MedTech Companies To truly embed patient voices into their operations, Roy urges MedTech companies to consider several actionable steps: Direct Engagement: Move beyond abstract data and engage in direct conversations with the people who will use their products. Patient Experts in Residence: Incorporate "patient experts" or "patients in residence" directly into project teams. These individuals can provide continuous, real-time feedback and perspectives throughout the development cycle. Chief Patient Officer (CPO): Establish a leadership role, such as a Chief Patient Officer or Chief Patient Engagement Officer, to champion patient advocacy and ensure their voices are systematically integrated across the organization. This position would serve as a crucial interface for all patient and caregiver interactions. Strategic Resource Utilization: View patients and caregivers as invaluable resources in product design, process improvement, and business development. A Personal Plea for Humanistic MedTech Roy’s impassioned plea is deeply personal, stemming from his own experience of spending "almost a decade in bed, misdiagnosed," and feeling that healthcare failed him. He insists that MedTech must not repeat these failures. The goal is to create "humanistic at heart" devices and solutions, regardless of how advanced the underlying technology may be. By embracing patient insights, the industry can ensure that innovation truly serves humanity. This call to action is clear: "Let's change MedTech together." By recognizing patients and caregivers as vital "experts in their lived experience," the industry can unlock unprecedented potential for products that are not only technologically advanced but also deeply empathetic and effective. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

In this profound reflection, I welcome Linda, a kindred spirit who transformed her own invisible battle with a debilitating chronic migraine. For years, Linda, like many Reflective Wounded Achievers, was defined by struggle, often left bedridden. This conversation maps the critical shift from Guilt-Ridden Stagnation to Purposeful Cultivation. Linda shares how she initiated the Inner Compass Model™: moving into a phase of Stillness (Rest and Reflection) to discover the raw material for her own healing. You will learn how to practice Restorative Learning—the gentle, digestible path to progress. Linda reveals the specific mindfulness techniques she used to dramatically reduce her migraines from three days a week to just the occasional bad day, proving that direction is cultivated internally through reflection, not found externally. This episode offers more than tips; it offers the clarity and validation needed to begin your own purposeful journey. We explore how true healing is achieved not through hustle, but through Cultivation—finding hope and Undeniable Direction even in chaos. More about her work: https://themindfulmigraine.blog/

In this episode, Roi Shternin chats with Linda, the inspiring force behind "The Mindful Migraine Blog." Linda has battled chronic migraines for years, experiencing the debilitating effects that often left her bedridden. But a year ago, she embarked on a journey of self-healing, embracing mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. The results? A dramatic reduction in migraines – from 3 days a week to just the occasional bad day! Linda shares her insightful story, offering a beacon of hope for those struggling with chronic pain. You'll hear about the specific mindfulness techniques that helped her regain control, plus the inspiration to start your own healing journey. Don't miss this episode if you're looking for real talk, expert tips, and a supportive community to help you manage your migraines and thrive! Linda's Blog: https://themindfulmigraine.blog/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

In this one we dive deeper into the state of chronic illness, role of inflammation and the power of patient communities with the founder of InflamMed, A community dedicated to raise awarded and support for chronic conditions caused by inflammation. learn more about their work: https://www.inflammed.org/ roishternin.com

Welcome to our new podcast! Our first guest, Natasha Punia, is an expert in the science of inflammation. Living with a chronic condition herself and leading a community helping patients deal with inflammation-based illnesses, we talked about acceptance, dealing with our surroundings, invisible illnesses, and life. Join her community: https://inflammed.substack.com/ Join The Chronically tribe: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

Tired of waiting for someone to go to the movies with? Don't! Discover the unexpected joy and freedom of going to the cinema alone. It's not lonely, it's liberating. Find out why a solo movie date might just be your new favorite thing. Follow my Journey at roishternin.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

Tired of waiting for someone to go to the movies with? Don't! Discover the unexpected joy and freedom of going to the cinema alone. It's not lonely, it's liberating. Find out why a solo movie date might just be your new favorite thing. Follow my Journey at roishternin.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

Living with a chronic illness is tough enough, but what about the invisible battles you're fighting up top? This podcast dives into the often-overlooked connection between chronic physical conditions and your mental well-being. We're talking real talk about how managing a long-term illness can impact your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. Tune in to learn why giving your mind some TLC is just as important as managing your physical symptoms, and discover practical tips for staying resilient. More at: roishternin.com

Living with a chronic illness is tough enough, but what about the invisible battles you're fighting up top? This NMU podcast dives into the often-overlooked connection between chronic physical conditions and your mental well-being. We're talking real talk about how managing a long-term illness can impact your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. Tune in to learn why giving your mind some TLC is just as important as managing your physical symptoms, and discover practical tips for staying resilient. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com