Learn how to build a supportive healthcare team, find doctors who listen, and advocate for your care as a woman. This post is written in partnership with AdventHealth for Women. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When it comes to our health, women are often expected to just âfigure it out.â I canât tell you how many times Iâve been told to push through the pain, to put others first, and to ignore our instincts when something feels off. But the truth is, we deserve more than that. We all deserve a healthcare team that listens, respects, and cares for you as a whole person.
Whether youâre navigating your first OB/GYN visit, managing a chronic condition like adenomyosis (like I am), or planning for pregnancy and beyond â having the right support system in place can completely change your experience. Iâm sharing how I built my dream healthcare team as a woman and giving you tips on how you can do the same.
How to Build Your Dream Healthcare Team as a Woman
When I became an adult and took my healthcare into my own hands, I literally had no idea what to do. I found doctors in the area that I moved to but if I wasnât happy I stayed with them out of fear. It wasnât until I got pregnant with Tristan that I started advocating for myself and choosing my providers carefully. As women, our bodies go through a lifetime of changes from puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and beyond. The right team can not only help you manage health concerns, but can also catch issues early, and improve your quality of life. Building your dream healthcare team as a woman is about more than just having good doctors. Itâs about building a team that works together to care for your whole self.
Who Belongs on Your Dream Healthcare Team?
Everyoneâs dream healthcare team will look a little different depending on your needs. Itâs best to start with the basics and build from there. Hereâs a breakdown of the core providers I recommend having:
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A good PCP is the foundation of your dream team. They will be your go-to for general health, preventive screenings, and possibly managing chronic conditions. Theyâre the first point of contact and help coordinate care between specialists. In my case, my PCP does all of my annual physicals but because I have multiple chronic conditions I see her bi-annually just so she can make sure that nothing new pops up. I see specialists that manage each of my chronic conditions.
OB/GYN
A good OB/GYN is a must. My provider at AdventHealth for Women is hands down one of the best. It wasnât until I switched to AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN at Altamonte Springs that I even knew what Adenomyosis was. Finding an OB/GYN that listens is key. They will take care of everything from menstrual health and fertility to pregnancy and menopause. You should feel comfortable asking questions about your cycle, birth control, and anything that has to do with your reproductive health. The AdventHealth Womenâs Health Navigator can help you find a provider thatâs a good fit for you.
download this checklist to help
Tips for Creating a Connected, Collaborative Team
This is honestly a great place to start. From here I would build and add on a mental health provider and any specialists that you need. I highly recommend specialists for any conditions that you have. My PCP is great but Iâve had bad experiences in the past with other providers and now Iâm a huge advocate for having a specialist for my chronic conditions.
One of the hardest parts of this journey is finding doctors who really hear you. I spent years feeling dismissed before being diagnosed with adenomyosis. Once I found a provider who listened, it changed everything. Utilizing the AdventHealth patient portal is a must. Tracking everything in one place helps you stay informed and helps your team see the full picture. Iâm on the AdventHealth patient portal app all the time. Itâs the perfect way to check post appointment notes, lab results, upcoming appointments, etc.
Providers can also see notes left by other providers which ensures that youâre getting consistent care and avoiding any mixed messages. Look for providers who support whole-person care, honor your cultural background, and respect your decisions â especially around reproductive health and mental health.
If something isnât working, donât be afraid to switch it up. You deserve care that fits your current season of life.At AdventHealth for Women, youâre not just a patient. Youâre a partner in your care. Their approach is built around the belief that you deserve personalized, whole-person support through every stage of life. Whether youâre navigating a diagnosis like I did, planning for pregnancy, or just trying to stay healthy, AdventHealth for Women can help you find the right people for your team. Theyâll walk with you every step of the way.
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