033: Part 2: Trishna Bharadia, Award - Winning MS Patient Advocate

In Part 2 of Lauren’s interview with award-winning patient advocate Trishna Bharadia, we dig deeper into the details of her work and what drives her every day. While she has faced instances of discrimination and seen the same happen to her friends, she remains strong and uses these episodes as teaching moments for others. Her passion truly keeps her going, and she recognizes the historical importance of patient advocacy, drawing inspiration from the other patients and advocates she encounters. While she sees that no two patients are going to have the same path, she emphasizes the importance of finding the right kind of support to live a full life. 

Tune in as Trishna shares… 

- stories of chronic invisible illness discrimination 

- a discussion of visible disability markers, such as wheelchair use 

- the various organizations she works with as a patient advocate 

- what she does as a patient advocate – writing, media, consulting, and beyond 

- the importance of seeing patients as an integral part of developing therapies, from medical equipment and pharmaceuticals to bedside manner and training 

- what makes her passionate about patient advocacy 

- that patient advocates don’t need special training – being patients themselves is what usually fuels their passion and expertise 

- that patient advocacy starting with the HIV/AIDS epidemic really paved the way for the patient advocates of today 

- the importance of friends and loved ones who are accommodating of the needs of the chronically ill 

- her tips for anyone who is living with chronic illness 

- that she not only serves as inspiration for others, but she is also inspired by the other patients and advocates she encounters 

- her favorite exercise activity: Zumba! She goes to inclusive classes taught by her sister, Anisha 

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