Medpedia

Beth L. Gainer

Cancer Survivor and Author

Chicago, IL

About me

I am a breast cancer survivor who has inadvertently -- but happily -- found herself in the role of offering others advice on how to advocate for their own medical needs. I found my own breast cancer through one of my routine self-exams, even though a mammogram had recently been deemed negative. It turns out, it had missed a tumor that had been in my breast for eight years. I am a writer, who has published an essay about my breast cancer experience in the anthology Voices of Breast Cancer by LaChance Publishing. I speak in public venues about my experience, and I write about navigating the medical system in my blog-column Calling the Shots at www.bethlgainer.blogspot.com. I am also a professor at a university in the Chicago area and teach writing and literature. I have one daughter and two cats and lead a content life. My hobbies include oil painting and drawing, writing, playing the guitar (not well), and reading.

Why I participate in Medpedia

I believe in informing the public about navigating the medical system, which I do through my Calling the Shots blog column. Too few people know how to advocate for themselves when faced with medical situations or how to talk to medical personnel. My readers tell me they find my tips and advice helpful to them. I structure my column to empower the reader and give us all a position of strength when we feel most vulnerable. Medpedia and I share the same vision: to educate others and help participate in a community. Helping others is my goal. While I'm not a doctor and don't work in the medical field, I have another level of expertise -- one as a patient who is very willing to advocate for her own medical needs. I hope through Medpedia, I can help others call the shots in their medical care, whatever their medical outcome.