Sandra L. Washington is an Independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate. In addition, she is a managing partner of Medi-Helpz LLC, an independent patient advocacy company, and the founder of C.H.L.M.S. Medi-Helpz Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Sandra encourages patient empowerment by educating patients on the importance of using their voices to ensure the best health outcomes and access to optimal healthcare services.

Sandra has a simple mantra regarding designing and developing sustainable healthcare policies and programs that address the healthcare inequities and inequalities in the current United States healthcare system. Speak Up! Speak Loud! and Speak Often!

Understanding that patients need to feel comfortable using the power of their voice, they must feel empowered and engaged in their healthcare. Sandra opines that the one step that will serve underserved and marginalized patients well is patient education. In this book, she uses her personal experience to educate readers on words, terms, and concepts that all patients should know as they navigate the challenges within the healthcare system.