As a professional advocate for the deaf community, Patty has spent years navigating the healthcare system. She has seen the inside of more doctor’s offices than most, and she’s learned a vital lesson: a medical degree is only half the battle. The other half is connection, communication, and collaboration.

When choosing a cardiologist in The Villages® or Leesburg, Patty recommends looking for a provider who connects with you beyond their specialty. But how do you actually vet a “cardiac partner”?

The Patty Checklist: What to Look For

To move from being a passive patient to the CEO of your health, your specialist should meet these three criteria:

• A Focus on Prevention, Not Just Rescue: Does the doctor only want to see you when your “numbers are bad” or you’re in pain? A true partner prioritizes early intervention. As we discussed in our look at Why “Feeling Fine” Isn’t a Strategy, waiting for a crisis is the “old school” way of medicine.
• Willingness to Look Deeper: Standard labs don’t always tell the whole story. Your doctor should be open to advanced lipid testing and vascular imaging—tools that catch problems before they start.
• The “Listen” Factor: If you feel rushed or dismissed, that isn’t a partnership. You need a physician who listens to your intuition. If you are questioning your current care, take our Are You at Risk? Quiz to see if your heart health needs a more focused, personalized approach.

Why You Must Be Your Own Advocate

The reality of the current medical system is that it is often stretched thin. If you don’t speak up, your unique risks—like the family history Patty carries—might get lost in the shuffle. Advocacy isn’t about being “difficult”; it’s about ensuring your care plan matches your life goals.

If your current provider isn’t meeting your needs or investigating your concerns thoroughly, it is time to seek a second opinion. You have the right to ask, “What else can we check?” and “How can we be proactive?”

As Patty says in sign language at the end of this podcast episode: “I Am You.” We are in this together, and you deserve a physician who sees you as a person, not just a set of statistics. Choose a partner who prioritizes prevention and empowers you to stay in the driver’s seat of your health.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for education only and does not replace medical advice. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms.