FAQs

Do you work with people who have cancer or other serious diagnoses?

Yes. I work with individuals and families facing a wide range of serious and complex medical situations, including cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions, and other life-changing diagnoses. My role is to help people understand what they are being told, prepare for conversations with their clinicians, and feel more confident navigating the decisions ahead.

Are you a doctor?

Yes. I trained and worked as a physician in the United Kingdom for over twenty years, specialising in gastroenterology in major teaching hospitals. Since relocating to New York City, I do not practise medicine or hold a U.S. medical licence, but I draw on my clinical background to help people understand medical information clearly and accurately.

Do you diagnose conditions or give medical advice?

No. I do not diagnose, prescribe, or recommend specific treatments. My role is independent and non-treating. I help you understand the information you receive from your healthcare team, think through questions and options, and engage more confidently in decisions about your care.

How is this different from a patient advocate?

Patient advocacy often focuses on logistics, insurance issues, or care coordination. My work focuses specifically on understanding medical information, clinical reasoning, and decision-making. I act as an informed, independent guide alongside your existing healthcare team, rather than as a representative within the healthcare system.

When is it helpful to work with a health navigator?

People often reach out after a new diagnosis, when test results feel unclear, before major treatment decisions, or when care becomes fragmented or overwhelming. Some work with me briefly around a specific decision; others value ongoing support over a longer period.

Do you work with families as well as individuals?

Yes. I frequently work with couples, adult children, or other family members who are supporting someone through illness. This can help ensure everyone has a shared understanding and can communicate more clearly with clinicians.

Do you attend medical appointments?

When appropriate, I can attend appointments virtually or help you prepare beforehand and debrief afterwards. The aim is not to replace your clinicians, but to help you make the most of the time you have with them.

Do you work only in New York City?

I am based in New York City. Depending on circumstances, some work can be done remotely, particularly when the focus is on understanding information, preparing questions, or reviewing what has already been discussed.

How do we get started?

You can get in touch via the contact page to briefly outline your situation. We can then discuss whether this kind of support would be helpful for you and, if so, what form it might take.