The Take-Charge Patient

How You Can Get the Best Medical Care

Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
320 Pages
Reviewed on 05/14/2012
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Martine Ehrenclou, M.A., is an award-winning author, patient advocate and speaker. Her first book, the critically acclaimed Critical Conditions: The Essential Hospital Guide To Get Your Loved One Out Alive received 15 book awards. In her newest health book, The Take-Charge Patient, Martine empowers readers to become proactive and effective participants in their own health care. Her mission is to bring to light the importance of being an advocate for others and for ourselves. Through her books, articles, blog, and lectures, Martine Ehrenclou reveals insider information on how to interact effectively with medical professionals and navigate the health care system.
Six months into her research for The Take-Charge Patient, Martine developed debilitating, chronic pain that lasted sixteen months and used every strategy in her new book. She went from an advocate for others to an advocate for herself, and became her own take-charge patient. After eleven doctors failed to diagnose her correctly, Martine’s exhaustive research led her to the surgeon who diagnosed her and cured her. She is now pain free.

Martine regularly publishes articles on the topics of patient empowerment, patient advocacy, patient safety, successful communication in medical encounters, and other health/medical related issues. She is interviewed regularly on national TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, including ABC News, Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Los Angeles Times Magazine and many more. Martine also lectures at universities, hospitals, health organizations and libraries, and writes a monthly blog.

Martine has a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. Prior to becoming a health writer and patient advocate, Martine was a journalist, ghostwriter and public relations professional. She created and ran a writing program for at-risk teenagers at Phoenix House. Her personal experience with loved ones with extended hospitalizations changed her career path in 2001.
Visit her at her websites, www.TheTakeChargePatient.com and www.CriticalConditions.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

As soon as I saw the title of Martine Ehrenclou’s book I knew I had to read it. In "The Take-Charge Patient: How You Can Get the Best Medical Care" by Martine Ehrenclou we learn much about patients’ rights and how we can be our best advocate. She discusses a broad range of topics from how to find the right doctor or other health care professional and discounted medications to dealing with insurance companies. There is so much in this book that I can barely scratch the surface in a review.

Ehrenclou's book is an essential tool for everyone. The book is well-organized. I cannot think of an additional topic to be covered. After writing this book, Ehrenclou became ill and put every aspect of this book into practice. Some points I felt were very valuable: chapters 5-8 are extremely important. You must trust and communicate with your doctor and staff. This includes listening to your doctor just as you want to be listened to. Be prepared for your visit. Have a list of written questions, a list of medications and a family history. I am very much impressed with this book and the author. This is a much needed tool for patients.