Join Dr. Bayo as she sits down with Tina Aswani-Omprakash, CEO of the South Asian IBD Alliance and award-winning women's health advocate, for a powerful conversation about navigating chronic illness in today's complex healthcare system. This episode gives patients and advocates practical tools to understand Inflammatory Bowel Disease, break through cultural barriers, and become stronger self-advocates.
What You'll Learn:
What IBD really looks like beyond the common myths and misconceptions
How cultural stigma affects diagnosis and treatment, especially in South Asian communities
Smart strategies for balancing dietary restrictions with your cultural food traditions
Must-know tips for navigating healthcare systems and understanding your insurance
Realistic self-care approaches when you're managing chronic illness and daily life
How to build your personal healthcare support team (yes, including family!)
Immediate action steps for anyone newly diagnosed who feels overwhelmed
About Tina Aswani-Omprakash: Tina Aswani-Omprakash is the CEO of South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA) and an award-winning women's health advocate based in New York City. After her own Crohn's disease diagnosis and life-saving ostomy surgery, she created "Own Your Crohn's," which went viral by highlighting cultural determinants affecting GI care. Her advocacy work has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and prestigious medical journals, combining lived experience with professional expertise to break down barriers in chronic illness care.
Perfect for:
Anyone newly diagnosed with IBD, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis looking for real guidance
People managing chronic illness who feel lost in the healthcare maze
Family members and friends supporting loved ones with chronic conditions
Healthcare providers who want to better understand patient experiences and cultural barriers
Anyone from communities of color facing stigma around chronic illness
This conversation gives you the knowledge and confidence to become your own strongest health advocate while building the support systems you need.
Connect with Tina:
South Asian IBD Alliance: southasianibd.org
Own Your Crohn's: ownyoucrohns.com
Instagram: @ownyourcrohns @saia_ibd
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