The Canadian healthcare system is a universal health care system that is funded through taxes. Our system is able to publicly fund primarily healthcare services including diagnosis, surgery, and recovery. This healthcare system is universal, portable, and accessible for all residents; however, because of this there are also some complications with this system. From overcrowding of the emergency rooms to long surgery and MRI wait times, many doctors are hesitant to order MRIs or CTs. This is why it is important to advocate for yourself to not be overlooked.

Personally, I have experienced this firsthand when I tore my ACL (a ligament in my knee) for the second time. For some context, with my previous ACL, all the doctors and specialists believed I didn’t tear my ACL; however, that wasn’t the case. The false negative was due to my hamstrings from guarding. Fast forward a year later, I injured myself again and confidently believed that I tore my other ACL, as I knew what it felt like from the first one. Unfortunately, the doctors did not believe me and thought it was a knee sprain. They refused to give me an MRI referral even after I insisted. That’s when I took it into my own hands, where I was fortunate enough to have a family that believed me and could afford driving across the border to the United States and paying for an MRI. Not to my surprise, it was torn!

Based on my experience, I understand how frustrating it is and how you may not trust yourself after being constantly told you are wrong. But I am writing to you guys to say: trust your gut and advocate for your health!

Here are three key tips on how you can advocate for yourself or others:

• Ask Questions
  
• Understand your rights
  
• Explore alternatives and other perspectives

Remember, advocating for yourself and others does not make you difficult or a hassle; it highlights that you care about your health and others. Hopefully, from sharing my experience, it teaches and shows you to be proactive, speak up, and trust yourself when it comes to the healthcare system!

References 

Government of Canada. (n.d.). Canada’s health care system. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-health-care-system.html

Fletcher, L. (2023, May 30). How to advocate and navigate the Canadian health care system. Global News. https://globalnews.ca/news/10248469/how-to-advocate-navigate-canadian-health-care-system/

MyPlaceHomecare. (2024, September 30). Tips for self‑advocating in the Canadian healthcare system. https://www.myplacehomecare.ca/2024/09/30/tips-for-self-advocating-in-the-canadian-healthcare-system/