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

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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

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

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

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

Supportive Words

"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 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