Episode 13: Nancy Robles on Clinical Trials and the Dangers of Health Misrepresentation and Misinformation

In this episode of the EmpowHERment Show, Nancy Robles, a dear friend of Adama’s and a clinician specializing in advanced heart failure, discusses the critical importance of clinical trials, particularly in relation to women's health. The conversation explores the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials, the impact of misinformation in health trends, and the need for evidence-based medicine. Nancy emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy, the challenges women face in healthcare, and the necessity for more representation in medical research. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners on how to take control of their health and stay informed about clinical trials.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Women have historically been excluded from clinical trials, leading to gaps in healthcare outcomes and medication safety.
• Biological differences mean women often respond differently to treatments—yet many health trends still ignore this nuance.
• We break down the clinical trial process and why understanding it empowers better patient advocacy.
• From harmful wellness misinformation to real-world patient experiences, we explore what women need to know.
• Advocating for inclusion in research is critical to achieving more equitable, informed healthcare for all

And if you want to tune in for certain portions, here’s the episode breakdown: 

• 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Trials and Women's Health
• 06:02 Toxic Trends in Health and Misinformation
• 08:57 Understanding Clinical Trials: Phases and Processes
• 12:05 Historical Exclusion of Women in Clinical Trials
• 18:05 Patient Experiences and the Impact of Placebos
• 20:45 Selection Processes in Clinical Trials
• 23:42 Biological Differences and Their Implications
• 26:44 The Future of Women's Health in Clinical Research
• 30:40 Ambien Adventures and Sleepwalking Stories
• 32:20 The Impact of Gender in Medical Trials
• 34:21 Navigating Birth Control and Hormonal Changes
• 37:15 Men's Health and the Side Effects of Medication
• 39:00 Quality of Life in Medical Decisions
• 43:02 The Disparity in Medical Research for Women
• 45:51 Funding Cuts and Their Impact on Research
• 48:45 Pharmaceutical Accountability and Patient Advocacy

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