The Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast with Laura Nozicka

In this thought-provoking episode of Desperate for a Diagnosis, host Laura Nozicka welcomes back Pam Cusick, a seasoned research professional and Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice. As one of Laura’s first-ever podcast guests, Pam returns to reflect on the evolution of patient-centered research and the growing importance of real human connection in a world increasingly shaped by AI and automation.

Together, they explore the...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast, host Laura Nozicka welcomes Matthew Zachary, a 28-year brain cancer survivor, trailblazing patient advocate, and founder of Stupid Cancer. Dubbed “The People’s Voice in Healthcare” by People Magazine, Matthew shares his powerful journey from a misdiagnosed young adult to a leading force in patient advocacy.

During their conversation, Matthew recounts the frustrating and isola...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast, guest Joan DelFattore, Professor Emerita at the University of Delaware and a noted author on healthcare equity for single patients discusses the challenges faced by single individuals in the healthcare system, including biases from medicalprofessionals that can lead to different treatment options based on maritalstatus.

Professor DelFattore shares her personal story of battl...

Laura Nozicka welcomes Jared Gleaton, a school psychologist, author, and food critic. Just three days before Thanksgiving, Jared shares his inspiring story of losing 176 pounds without trendy diets or drugs, highlighting the psychological and emotional facets of eating. The episode delves into Jared's unique expertise in food psychology, the mental well-being tied to food choices, and how he used mindful eating after a personal tra...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis podcast, host Laura Nozicka interviews Laura Badmaev, a dedicated mother and advocate for children with ultra-rare genetic disorders. Laura Badmaev, founder and chair of the ASXL Rare Research Endowment Foundation, shares her journey and experiences with her son, Alex, who has Bohring-Opitz Syndrome, a rare genetic mutation. They discuss thecomplexities of diagnosing and managing thi...

Dr. Randy Cybulski, sports chiropractor and longtime physician to athletes of all ages, discusses hisunique approach to chiropractic care, and overcoming chronic pain, and pain due to injury. He also provides insight into treating conditions, the importance of questioning medical authority, and the role ofPRP and stem cell therapy in healing.

Dr. Randy also discusses the often-overlooked aspects of injury treatment including inflamm...

In this episode of Desperate for a Diagnosis, Dr. Alan Rapoport returns to delve into the concept of medical gaslighting, where patients feel dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare providers. The discussion addresses the evolving complexities of modern medical practice, highlighting constraints faced by doctors, and the importance of patient history for diagnostic accuracy.

The episode explores patient-doctor communication, persi...

In this compelling episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis podcast, host Laura Nozicka welcomes Dr. Lauren Strauss, a renowned pediatric and adult headache neurologist, to explore the complexities and advancements in pediatric neurology. The conversation dives deep into diagnosing rare neurological conditions in children, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. Dr. Strauss shares her detective-lik...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis podcast, I have a heart-to-heart discussion with Dr. Joan Naidorf, an emergency physician, author, and speaker based in Alexandria, Virginia. We delve into the complex and oftenmisunderstood dynamics between patients and physicians, especially when it comes to diagnosing difficult cases. Dr. Naidorf shares her extensiveexperience, offering a unique perspective on how patient interact...

In this episode, join me for an extremely educational conversation with renowned neurologist and headache specialist, Dr. Alan Rapoport, a clinical professor of neurology at UCLA. Dr. Rapoport educates listeners about various headache disorders, including migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches. Dr. Rapoport discusses the complexities, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for these conditions, highlighting em...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis podcast, host Laura Nozicka welcomes communications professional Judy, who shares her harrowing journey through misdiagnosis. Judy recounts her development of shingles, initially mistaken for cluster headaches, which eventually led to a painful condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. The discussion covers her myriad symptoms, including blisters, severe pain, and itching, as well a...

In this episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis podcast, host Laura Nozicka engages in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Lee Peterlin, a distinguished clinical neuroscientist and headache specialist. Dr. Peterlin delves deep into the complexities of migraines, addressing common questions about their causes, symptoms, and distinctions from other types of headaches. Dr. Peterlin explains the importance of identifying primary versu...

In this episode of Desperate for a DiagnosisPodcast, Kelly Leonard, Vice President of Creative Strategy at Second City and I discuss the exciting intersection of improvisation and healthcare. Who knew? We know there's very little funny about healthcare...well, that all depends how you look at it. But improvisational techniques and methodologies are surprisingly applicable to healthcare communications. Kelly highlights the crucial r...

In this compelling episode of the Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast, host Laura Nozicka warmly welcomes back Dr. Z. Collette Edwards. Dr. Edwards, a renowned board-certified physician with extensive training in health and wellness coaching, health equity, and integrative health, shares her profound insights into the multifaceted menopause journey.The conversation navigates through Dr. Edwards’ impressive background, including her r...

In this special episode of thThe Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast, host Laura Nozicka welcomes back Emma Smith and Olivia Goodreau. These inspiring GenZ young women share their ongoing journeys with long COVID and Lyme disease, discussing the healthcare challenges they have faced and the resilience they’ve shown. They highlight the importance of empathy, consistent care, and self-advocacy in the medical system.

Olivia introduces h...

In this episode of The Desperate for a Diagnosis Podcast, host Laura Nozicka sits down with Gen Z, Emma Smith, a 25-year-old freelance journalist, to discuss her ongoing journey with long COVID. Emma shares her experiences battling chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and various other symptoms, and navigating through the healthcare system, encountering numerous doctors, and facing significant personal challenges. She touches on the i...

In this episode, host Laura Nozicka welcomes back Matt Ciciretti, Mark's SuperDad, for a compelling update on Mark's health journey following an idiopathic bone marrow failure diagnosis. In previous episodes, Matt discussed Mark's diagnosis and subsequent discovery that a bone marrow transplant was the only solution.

This episode covers a successful match with a donor, the process of the bone marrow transplant, and Mark's recovery....

Guest, Severine Tarayre recounts her courageous battle against triple-negative breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer type. The episode explores her challenging quest for an accurate diagnosis and the intense emotional struggles she endured. Listeners witness the profound impact of the illness on Severine's personal and professional life, highlighting the unwavering support she received from loved ones including her husband, two c...

Dr. Gary Simonds, retired neurosurgeon turned professor at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience as well as author of "Death's Pale Flag," a suspense medical thriller, graciously returns to share his wisdom and experiences, adding a personal touch to this "get real" episode.

Host Laura Nozicka and Gary explore the vulnerabilities and humanity of doctors, breaking stereotypes and offer...