Dr. Shamanique Bodie-Williams, a consultant OB/GYN in Grand Bahama’s public health system and private practitioner on two islands, says public frustration with the healthcare system stems from a lack of patient empowerment. But she believes that with the right information, patients can take more control of their healthcare experiences.
“Right now, people are frustrated with the public healthcare system,” Bodie-Williams said in an interview. “They’re frustrated because they are not empowered, but they do have more power than they realize.”
According to Bodie-Williams, patients can become effective advocates for themselves by understanding the medical process and setting realistic expectations.
For example, she explained that hospital physicians typically visit patients once or twice a day to assess their condition and outline a treatment plan. Between visits, nurses act as a key point of contact. “If you see your physician in the morning, make sure you have all your questions lined up,” she advised. “Ask about the plan, how it will be executed, and the timeline.”
Bodie-Williams also emphasized the importance of double-checking medications, staying informed about one’s medical condition, and addressing concerns early. “If you’re given a medication that doesn’t seem right, question it,” she said. “Educating yourself empowers you and decreases the likelihood of miscommunication.”
The physician highlighted that healthcare involves numerous moving parts, including planning and execution, much of which happens behind the scenes. Misunderstandings, she said, are common but can be mitigated through open communication.
“A lot of times we don’t want to feel like we don’t understand what a doctor is saying, so we don’t ask questions,” she said. To bridge this gap, Bodie-Williams asks her patients to repeat instructions back to her to ensure clarity. She also provides written notes and a to-do list for follow-ups.
“Your memory will be faulty,” she noted. “With notes and a to-do list, you’ll know exactly what to do, when to follow up, and how to assess if the treatment is effective.”
For patients dissatisfied with their care, Bodie-Williams recommends expressing concerns directly to healthcare providers. “It gives an opportunity to evaluate the pain points, which may involve both the system and the patient,” she explained.
Bodie-Williams, an author of several health-related books, including Being Breast Aware and Thriving with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a strong advocate for patient education. Her contributions to the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Global OB/GYN Newsletter, part of the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, reflect her ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the challenges in the healthcare system.
“By being informed, vocal, and proactive, patients can help reduce complications, misdiagnoses, and frustrations with the system,” she said.
