From Doctor To Patient: Lessons In Self-Advocacy From A Physician

March 14, 2026

Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah’s life took a turn when a routine medical screening became anything but. Despite her professional expertise, she still had to navigate the frightening transition from provider to patient. Owusu-Ansah explains how she’s using her story to show others how to self-advocate when navigating the healthcare system.

Guest Information:

Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, pediatric emergency medicine physician, assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, cancer patient

The endoscopy for her GI tract came back clear and a colonoscopy showed there wasn’t even a polyp to worry about. The mammogram was her last obligation. She noticed some abnormalities during the scan, but wasn’t too worried…