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In sociological circles, privilege refers to having advantages by way of association. As a middle class, middle aged, heterosexual white woman from the Midwest I carry with me many privileges. In health care circles, I carry even more. I am a former medical school faculty member. I currently work to develop and implement health education and policy initiatives. I have remained friends with many of my former medical students and in fact it was one of them that suggested I submit to this conference. All of these associations provide me with the vocabulary, the credentials and knowledge to navigate the health care system. In August of 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and those navigation skills were put to the test. There were 189 days between when I confirmed the mass in my right breast and when I finished chemotherapy – if it was not for my privilege I believe that time would have been much longer and my outcome may not have been as positive as it is. Privilege permitted me access to screenings. Privilege afforded me the ability to be assertive rather than passive in seeking treatment. Privilege allowed me to overlook more than a few ‘cultural’ barriers and not let them deter my efforts towards remission. Privilege provided me with a job that allowed me to take short term disability so that I could focus on my treatment and my recovery. Privilege granted me the opportunity to share my story via social media and, to date, reach people in 22 countries and 37 states. As we think about care, technology, cures, quality of life and saving the world – we have to consider the privilege we bring to the table. We must acknowledge the privilege or the lack of privilege of our patients. We will consider the “What if’s” of lacking privilege. What if an individual can’t get access to the screenings they need? What if they think that passivity is the best way to show deference? What if a cultural misstep derails an appointment? What if an individual can’t focus entirely on their recovery? What if that patient is alone and does not have a social network to support them? We will question our assumptions and recognize the privilege that comes with being part of the system. If one of us can get lost, confused, frustrated, denied or deterred, what happens to someone without the vocabulary, the credentials, the knowledge or the privilege?
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A Patient of Privilege Speaks Up & Asks the Question:
What If…?
Darci L. Graves, MPP, MA, MAStanford MedX 2014
Darci L. Graves, MPP, MA, MA
E-Patient
Educator Patient
Talking about privilege is not about blame or blaming.
@darcigraves
It may mean you walked home –alone –at night –and did not think twice.
@darcigraves
It does not mean you did not work hard.
It may mean more doors were open to you.
@darcigraves
Privilege isn’t pointing fingers. We need to be aware of our privilege - ask questions about - do good with - our privilege.
@darcigraves
Talking about my privilege & my health means asking the question:
What if…
What if I didn’t have this privilege?
@darcigraves
August 20 24
September
Imagine today is August 16, 2013
Diagnostic Mammogram, Ultrasound, and Biopsy
Diagnosis
Surgery Proposed Date of Diagnostic Mammogram
Ki-67<10% = Low
10-20% = Borderline>20% = High
90% = Me
Privilege does not have to be something positive; it can simply be the lack of something negative.~ Violet Baudelaire
Privilege buys options. Privilege lets you die at home if that's what you want. Privilege brings healthcare to you. ~ Caroline Dawson, LMSW
What if?
http://nmai.si.edu/connect/seminars-and-symposia/archive/
Grace
The Reid’s
AnnaKerri
The Haun’s
Lindsey Tylar
Courtney
The Eldridge’s
CarolineKelly
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Katie
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Matt Nick
Nick
LaShondaJuliaBarbara
Heather
The Miller’s
Anne
James
HenryThe Wise’s
Lisa linda
Anonymous x 7
Thomas
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