An Educated Patient

Because behind every diagnosis is a story—and every story can help someone

An Educated Patient, founded by health communicator Sue Checchio after losing her parents to medical errors, is a space where patients, caregivers, and clinicians share personal stories to humanize healthcare, foster empathy, and promote more informed care. We welcome guest contributions—whether you want to inform, comfort, or simply share your experience, your voice matters. Join us in building a compassionate, story-driven resource for those navigating the healthcare system.

"I want to encourage you in this work. You have the talent for writing up these vignettes, and they are so important."

Thomas Moore, # 1 NYT Bestselling Author of Care of the Soul

"Your new website is wonderful and a truly important and needed resource. The essay about (Annie) is powerful and heart-wrenching. What a brilliant job you did. I also enjoyed the piece on Thomas Moore, whose work I’ve read and admired.

I’m very glad you shared this project with me. I send you much encouragement and belief in what you’re doing." Sue Monk Kidd, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Home: Welcome

What Nurses Teach Us About Empathy

What if all people were as kind and compassionate as nurses?

Patti Steckler

Transition

After suffering a stroke at 47, a longtime physician attends a Schwartz Rounds conference where his own case is being emotionally examined by the colleagues who once worked alongside him. Witnessing their raw vulnerability and conflicted compassion, he is struck by the profound human cost of caregiving. In that moment, he realizes that though he’s now a patient, his decades of experience as a doctor still define who he is.

Hugh Snyder, MD

One Secret Insurance Companies Do Not Want You To Know

"Be a very polite, charming, insistent squeaky wheel. Always call. Always ask questions. Get names. Don’t go away."

Taylor Coffman

There Is No Pause

Wendy tells a story of being among the small percentage of women called for a biopsy due to suspicious calcifications on her mammogram.

Wendy Karasin

Who is the Patient?

Mary Ann was unmarried and had no children when she suddenly fell ill while on vacation. Her family was across the country, and hospitals...

Sue Checchio

She Thought She Could Go Home

This personal story is a reminder of the importance of advanced directives. Annie died on a beautiful autumn day in 2021. After a year...

Sue Checchio

Keeping the Margins Clear

“The margins are clear.” These four words define this cancer survivor’s journey into understanding that it’s the spaces between objects,...

Kirsten K with Sue Checchio

Reclaiming Primary Care's "Secret Sauce"

A thoughtful article from a physician's perspective written by a dear friend, Dr. Bob Eidus. ..... Imagine how much more effective...

Robert Eidus, MD, MBA

What is Narrative Medicine and How Can it Help You?

Heather Summerhayes Cariou is a classically trained actress, singer, dancer, and writer. She has a big, colorful personality and a...

Sue Checchio

The Power of a Letter

We can't help but feel helpless when someone we care about faces the end of their life. We offer to bring meals, volunteer to do errands,...

Sue Checchio

Communication and Soul in Medicine

Bestselling author Thomas Moore couldn’t agree more with William Osler, widely regarded as "The Father of Modern Medicine." During his...

Sue Checchio

Love Remains

“Are you going to write about this?” Chuck asked. I stopped sorting the pile of laundry that a nursing home aide had just left on his bed...

Florrie Munat

Pulmonary Embolisms - A Leading Cause of Hospital Preventable Deaths: 70% Can Be Prevented

After a misdiagnosis and a host of mishaps, my 69-year-old mother lay on crisp, white sheets in an intensive care unit hospital bed with...

Sue Checchio

14 Helpful Tips for the Long-Distance Caregiver

It started with a voice mail from my brother: “Mom’s been in a car accident. Call Linda.” Linda, my cousin, was my mother’s “other...

Marianne Sciucco

Hospice Was the Right Thing at the Right Time

I am often asked how I managed to care for my oldest son during his brief battle with cancer. It has been the toughest task as a mother....

Ottamissiah Moore, RN

June

In January 2011, my 86-year-old beautiful, gracious, and coherent friend, June, decided it was time for hospice. She had leukemia and was...

Sue Checchio

Supportive Words

I’m very glad you shared this project with me. I send you much encouragement and belief in what you’re doing." Sue Monk Kidd NYT Bestselling Author

"They (your essays) are very well-written, full of heart, and very intelligent. I’ll make them known to the people who follow me. I hope you keep writing them because there are so many issues to explore." Thomas Moore, NYT Bestselling Author