In this episode of the Voices of Experience podcast, host Amber Washington speaks with Dr. Anthony Watkins, a transplant surgeon at Tampa General Hospital. They discuss the critical role of patient voices in healthcare, the importance of kidney transplants, and the impact of chronic kidney disease. Dr. Watkins shares his journey in transplant surgery, the demographics of patients he serves, and the significance of patient advocacy in the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the need for health literacy and the responsibilities of patients post-transplant, emphasizing the importance of individualized care.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Patient-Centered Care
01:19 Meet Dr. Anthony Watkins
03:27 The Importance of Kidney Transplants
06:17 Impactful Patient Stories
08:34 Understanding Patient Demographics
11:41 Advocating for Kidney Health
14:19 Post-Transplant Care and Responsibilities
16:56 The Role of Patient Advocacy
22:04 Conclusion and Future Conversations

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

Takeaways
-The patient's voice is critical in healthcare situations.
-Tampa General Hospital has achieved record transplant volumes.
-Kidney transplants significantly improve patients' quality of life.
-Chronic kidney disease is often caused by high blood pressure and diabetes.
-Health literacy is essential for patients to advocate for themselves.
-Patients must adhere to medication regimens post-transplant.
-Every patient has unique needs that must be addressed.
-Access to quality healthcare is vital for managing chronic diseases.
-Patient stories remind healthcare providers of their impact.
-Building trust between patients and providers is crucial for effective care.

🚀 Get involved here: https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/patient-and-family-advisory-council-pfac

"Health literacy is crucial for patient advocacy." "Every patient is different and has unique needs."

Share your TGH Patient Experience story:
https://www.tgh.org/patients-visitors/recognition-compliments-and-stories

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