Your Voice Could Save Your Life

One of the core messages of Democracy Does is that every voice matters. Whether you're participating in your community, engaging with elected officials, or making decisions that affect your family, your willingness to speak up has power. As I discovered in my recent conversation with board-certified oncologist Dr. Tiffany Trosso-Sandoval, that lesson may be just as important in the doctor's office as it is in our democracy.

Drawing on more than 25 years of caring for women with cancer, Dr. Trosso-Sandoval says too many patients—especially women—have been conditioned to be "good patients": agreeable, accommodating, and hesitant to question authority. But that instinct can come at a tremendous cost. Instead, she urges patients to become the CEO of their own healthcare by asking questions, understanding their diagnosis, and actively participating in treatment decisions.