Beyond the Diagnosis

Wearing Every Hat: Dr. Raj Dasgupta on Being a Clinician, Caregiver, and Parent

Jillian Tygh — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:34:43 +0000

In this intimate episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, we sit down with Dr. Raj Dasgupta—renowned clinician, medical educator, and advocate—to explore the intersection of medicine and lived experience. Known for his clinical work in pulmonary, critical care, Internal and sleep medicine, Dr. Raj opens up about the emotional complexity of delivering life-altering diagnoses like COPD and sleep apnea. He shares what patients should understand when receiving these diagnoses and how clinicians can approach these conversations with clarity and compassion.

But Dr. Raj’s story goes beyond the white coat. We also hear his deeply personal journey as a caregiver to his father, who lived with Alzheimer’s, and how that role reshaped his perspective on the healthcare system. Finally, Dr. Raj discusses life as a parent of a child with autism—what advocacy looks like when the system doesn’t always fit the child, and how lessons from his medical career both helped and challenged him along the way.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of humanity in healthcare, offering insight for professionals and families alike on what it means to care, to listen, and to show up.

The Power of the Patient

Jillian Tygh — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:04:43 +0000

In this empowering episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, we sit down with Kimberly Richardson, Founder of the Black Cancer Collaborative and a fierce advocate for patient empowerment and equity in clinical research. Drawing from her personal journey and years of advocacy, Kimberly shares essential insights on how patients—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—can take an active role in their care and in the clinical trial process.

We’ll explore the importance of self-advocacy in navigating a diagnosis, how to educate yourself about clinical trials, and why making a direct connection with the Principal Investigator (PI) can change the game. Kimberly provides practical advice on how to prepare for these conversations, ask the right questions, and push past barriers that often prevent patients from participating in research.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to reclaim their power in the healthcare system and for professionals looking to understand how to better support patient agency at every step of the journey.

Strengthening Ties – The Role of Community Support in Managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Jillian Tygh — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:12:29 +0000

In this episode of "Beyond The Diagnosis," we explore the crucial role of community support for individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Join us as we sit down with a representative from the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Society to discuss how supportive networks significantly enhance the management of EDS. We'll dive into the society's key programs and initiatives that strengthen these support systems and learn about their upcoming projects aimed at expanding this vital community engagement. Discover the transformative power of community in the journey towards improved health and wellness.

Knowing Your Cancer: The KRAS Key to Personalized Treatment

Jillian Tygh — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:53:02 +0000

Join us on "Beyond the Diagnosis" where we dive into the crucial role of biomarkers in cancer treatment, focusing on the KRAS mutation. We’re joined by Terri Conneran, the Founder of KRASKickers, a growing community aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of how biomarkers can guide personalized cancer therapies. This episode is essential for anyone touched by cancer, as we unravel how to identify crucial biomarkers and advocate for personalized information with your healthcare team. Discover the tools you need to navigate your treatment options and take an active role in your cancer care journey.