This is an excellent book in general for how to be an advocate for your own medical care but specifically for those with trauma or complicated or rare conditions.

I recommend this book across the board, but particularly to women who are more often the victims of the American medical system.
I grew into adulthood with the idea that doctors know what to do and should be trusted without question. I’ve learned the hard way that belief is inaccurate. I found this book wonderfully validating, as well as helpful in terms of bolstering my fortress of self-advocacy. I promptly bought a copy for a chronically ill friend, and have already heard back from her how validated she feels.

This is a book that so many Americans need to read. It so helpful and important to be an advocate for yourself especially when you are up against a field that is full of burnt out employees or people that belong in medicine.

If you are a woman living with chronic illness, this is a book you should check out. And for everyone else, I would still recommend reading this, as it may be quite eye-opening, as the biases are likely ones that many people have experienced.

For women living with chronic health issues, this book could be a lifeline for helping navigate the complex medical system that wants to push them and their issues/concerns aside. A system that makes them feel invisible. One that doesn't believe that women know their own bodies and what is normal. The author combines her personal experience, along with that of others. These stories will likely be relatable to many readers. She provides some common causes for gaslighting, as well as suggestions to combat it. This book will be most useful for readers in the US, but there are still tips here that could be helpful to patients around the world. The author emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, and she encourages the reader on just how to do that. Anyone who deals with the healthcare system, particularly those with chronic illnesses, know that it is broken. The author reminds readers that they are not alone, and it is possible to navigate the system to get the treatment and care you deserve. This would also be a wonderful book for doctors to read, as she also points out how easy it is to have biases toward certain patients, as well as the dire consequences that can result from medical gas lighting.

All chronically ill women should read this book! In fact, it should really be read by everyone, regardless of health status! And it should definitely be a required read for doctors and medical students! It helps you identify medical gaslighting with clear examples and different methods to advocate for yourself. Some of the stories are dreadfully shocking, but they do a wonderful job of conveying how serious the consequences of medical gaslighting can be. I loved that the author kept mentioning the historical context of different types of gaslighting, like the “hysterical women” excuse, along with different types of medical biases. It had useful tips like what to ask when you switch to a new doctor and how to deal with incorrect medical records. It really had everything you need to know to deal with medical gaslighting! This book offered me a safe space to process some of my own medical trauma and to grieve my past self. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this, and I could not recommend it more!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the eARC, but it did not affect my review in any way!

This is required reading for any woman who has found herself in a doctor's office feeling frustrated at not being heard. For years, we've been convinced that our medical practitioners have our best interests at heart, but, even if unintentional, bias will always exist.

In her book Illana Jacqueline combines first hand experience with case studies--some which might put you off medical healthcare for life. She also provides explanations for why this is a common occurrence and provides practical suggestions to deal with it. The latter part of her book is focused predominantly on the American healthcare system's inner workings and won't be useful to readers outside the US. However, the rest can be applied to the medical profession around the world.

I would have preferred it to be more research-based and at times it does feel repetitive, probably due to the book's structure and layout. The approach here is more practical and if you prefer something more heavy on facts and research Daniel Kahneman's Noise sits on the other side of the spectrum.

Medical Gaslighting puts on paper what many women have experienced, but never had the means or strength to put into words.

As a chronic pain patient, I read many books on the American health care system and patient advocacy. This is one of the best medical books I’ve read in years! From practical information such as how to prepare for a medical appointment and how to interpret your electronic medical records, to best practices on how to find the right doctor for you and how to know if you are receiving proper care, Ilana Jacqueline is well-matched to help. She suffers from chronic pain (a rare disease), and she works professionally as a patient advocate.

This book is one of the best books I’ve read about women’s experiences in healthcare. I feel so seen. Thank you to the Author for letting us all know we aren’t alone. I would recommend this book to any woman advocating for herself and her treatment in the broken system.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Ilana Jacqueline’s Medical Gaslighting is a powerful and essential read for anyone who has ever felt dismissed or ignored by the healthcare system. This book is not just a guide; it’s a lifeline for those navigating the often frustrating and disheartening world of medical care.

Jacqueline tackles the pervasive issue of medical gaslighting, where healthcare providers dismiss or undermine patients’ concerns, often leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment. Drawing from her own experiences and those of others, she provides a comprehensive toolkit for recognizing and combating this harmful practice.

This book is meticulously organized, starting with an exploration of what medical gaslighting is and why it happens. Jacqueline then delves into practical strategies for patients to advocate for themselves effectively. Each chapter is filled with actionable advice, from how to prepare for medical appointments to understanding and managing medical records.

Jacqueline includes numerous personal stories that highlight the real-world impact of medical gaslighting. These narratives are heart-wrenching yet inspiring, showcasing the resilience of patients who have fought for their right to be heard.

This book is rich with practical advice, such as how to document symptoms accurately, ask the right questions, and handle dismissive behavior from healthcare providers. Jacqueline’s tips are designed to empower patients to take control of their healthcare journey.

Jacqueline’s background as a patient advocate shines through, offering readers expert insights into navigating the healthcare system. Her advice is grounded in both personal experience and professional knowledge, making it relatable and authoritative.

Jacqueline’s writing is clear, compassionate, and engaging. She strikes a perfect balance between being informative and empathetic, making complex medical and legal information accessible to a broad audience. Her tone is supportive, encouraging readers to stand up for themselves without feeling overwhelmed.

Medical Gaslighting is about empowerment and resilience. Jacqueline addresses the systemic issues within the healthcare system while offering hope and practical solutions. The book underscores the importance of self-advocacy and the need for systemic change to ensure equitable healthcare for all.

Medical Gaslighting is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or ignored by the healthcare system.

Ilana Jacqueline’s blend of personal experience, expert advice, and practical tools makes this book an invaluable resource. It is a call to action for patients to take control of their healthcare and demand the respect and care they deserve.

Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare professional, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to improve patient care and advocate for systemic change. Jacqueline’s work is a beacon of hope in a system that often feels indifferent, reminding us all that our voices matter and deserve to be heard.

This is a very informative book. If you have experienced explicit or implicit medical bias and the shaming that goes along with it, you will have several aha moments while reading this book! Many women will relate to the topic. Even if you haven't experienced it, chances are great that you one day will. I recommend women pick up a copy of this book. It is empowering.