In times of need ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
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t only 5 years old, Baldwin Park resident Patricia Raval knew she wanted to be head nurse when she grew up. However, it wasn’t until she took an aptitude test in college that she decided to take official steps toward her lifelong dream. Raval has been in the medical field for more than 20 years. She served as a registered nurse and as a physician assistant and has cared for patients in intensive care units, with specialties in Medical ICU, Surgical/Trauma ICU and Neuro ICU. The bulk of her career has been in Cardiac Surgery ICU, working with patients on life support, mechanical support and transplants. Her passion is caring for patients and their families — putting all the pieces of the health care puzzle together to arrive at the best outcome. “When you’re going through a health care crisis, you remember every moment,” she says of her patients. “It’s humbling to sit back and realize that you’re making a difference in someone’s life that they’re going to remember forever. That’s a tall order, but when you’re in that crisis you’re scared, you’re vulnerable, and you’re looking for health and safety and reassurance. I want to provide that.”
ONE LIFE
To that end, Raval started her business, One Life Healthcare Advocates, in June. One Life is a private, independent patient health care advocacy company that assists patients and their families facing hospitalization and/or treatment for complex medical diagnoses. The company provides education on medical diagnosis and available options; supports patients through meetings with medical teams, office visits and hospitalizations; demystifies medical reports and treatment
Baldwin Park resident Patricia Raval is providing health care advocacy services to the community with her new business One Life Healthcare Advocates.
WHAT IS A HEALTH CARE ADVOCATE?
Annabelle Sikes
Patricia Raval has worked in the medical field for more than two decades.
plans; utilizes medical contacts and resources throughout the country; creates clear strategies to address medical conditions and desires; and helps patients to avoid costly mistakes to ensure they have the best possible care available. When explaining the concept to new patients, Raval says just as one wouldn’t enter a courtroom without a lawyer, one shouldn’t have to face the medical world alone. “As your advocate, our mission is to ensure that your wants, needs and rights are clearly communicated to your treatment team, that you fully understand your treatment options and possible outcomes, and that no stone is left unturned in find-
ing the best care available to you,” Raval says. “Patient advocacy does not require a medical background or training. Representing yourself in court does not require a law degree, but it’s not advisable. Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable knowing that your advocate has the training, experience and expertise to help you in any situation?”
TURNING POINT
Raval was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. The diagnosis was an enlightening moment in her life. Raval remembers being in the hospital from 4 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for
A health care advocate works directly with patients, their loved ones and their medical providers to educate, support and advocate for the patient’s interests during a medical emergency or life-threatening illness. An advocate works for the patient, not for doctors, hospitals or insurance companies. An advocate’s goal is to support the patient in making informed medical choices and decisions, help ensure your safety, and provide clear communication and understanding between the patient and his or her health care team. An advocate’s mission is to get the patient the best health care and treatment available. Source: One Life
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BALDWIN PARK LIVING | NOVEMBER 2022
Healthcare Advocates
