Media & Public Engagement
I share insights on the challenges of managing chronic illness in a system not designed for everyday life—from medical debt to unmet needs. I turn complex evidence into stories and actionable solutions.
Policy Engagement
Invited Testimony on Medical Debt Protections and Consumer Financial Risk
Provided invited testimony before the Michigan Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee in Lansing, MI on January 28, 2026, addressing medical debt protections and consumer financial risk in relation to Senate Bills 449–451. The testimony contributed to ongoing policy discussions on financial safeguards and the broader impact of medical debt on individuals and households.
Invited Testimony on Hospital Financial Assistance and Medical Debt
Provided invited testimony before the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee in Lansing, MI on November 5, 2025, addressing hospital financial assistance policies and their role in mitigating medical debt in relation to Senate Bills 701–702. The testimony informed policy discussions on improving access to financial support and reducing the burden of medical debt on patients.
Media and Press
video features
Health Care Reform: A Conversation with U-M Experts
On May 20, 2021, with a Supreme Court ruling expected soon on a challenge to the Affordable Care Act, and other activity at the state and federal level on many health policy topics, a panel of University of Michigan experts gathered virtually to give updates and answer questions.
University of Michigan and Leading Health Organizations Join Forces to Improve Health Equity
The University of Michigan School of Public Health, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Diabetes Association have joined forces in a four-year, $25 million Bank of America-funded initiative to improve health outcomes for Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous communities across the US.
Dr. Minal Patel discusses prescription medication costs
Minal Patel explores how high prescription costs harm patient health by leading to poor adherence, worse outcomes, and more hospitalizations. Patel advocates for a nonpartisan group to develop evidence-based pharmaceutical reforms and highlights the need for lasting policy change.
Addressing unequal treatment in healthcare | Three online courses
Recent events have again highlighted the deep-rooted racism in systems like healthcare. To drive change, we must equip learners to address these inequities. This MOOC explores the historical and sociological roots of racial disparities, examines their causes, and presents strategies for achieving equity in healthcare.
PODCASTS
Population Healthy
Race and Health Equity in America: Season Three - Race, Inequity and Closing the Health Gap
Siren Coffee & Science
Social Risks vs. Social Needs: Assessing Patients’ Interest in Assistance
Michigan Information & Research Service Inc. (MIRS)
Medical debt, and policy efforts around Lansing to try minimizing its effects on Michigan residents. (Starts at 41 min.)
Public Writing and Commentary
Reframing healthcare violence as systemic failure
Healthcare workers face rising violence despite security measures, driven by systemic failures like costs, insurance denials, and access delays. Addressing root causes—not just security—could reduce patient frustration and prevent violence.
When Cardiac Warning Signs Go Unrecognized
A personal loss highlights deadly flaws in heart care
How Cyberattacks Hold Patient Care Hostage
We need to strengthen our National Cybersecurity Strategy
Forgiving medical debt is crucial, but it won't fix our health care system | Opinion
Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a new initiative to forgive that kind of debt: $144 million in medical bills will be erased for more than 200,000 Michiganders. This is meaningful relief. But let’s be honest—while medical debt forgiveness helps, it doesn’t fix the broken system that created the debt in the first place...
Why A Plan To Lower Prescription Drug Prices Should Not Be Piecemeal
High Stakes, Little Action
Michigan has tools to ease medical debt. Does it have the will?
Like many Michiganders, I’ve struggled to make sense of my medical bills. Recently, I found basic math errors on a bill. I felt a familiar dread — not just about the error, but about the exhausting process ahead. I called the billing office at least five times over three weeks...
MI Arab Population Faces Health Disparities, SDOH, Food Insecurity
One in three Arab people in the Detroit-Metro area reported food insecurity as a social determinant of health, raising health disparity concerns.
Chronic Care Financial Burden Goes Beyond Actual Costs
A fear of finance-related challenges for people suffering with chronic diseases may be just as detrimental to their health management as actual out-of-pocket costs, a new study shows.
Superheroes Need Health Insurance, Too
Ms. Magnificent can stop a moving train before it hits a family of ducks but sometimes asthma gets the best of her, sending this superhero off to the emergency room. She gets a rescue inhaler at the ER and a “super-sized bill.” Ms. Magnificent has no insurance and the costly treatment is just a short-term fix.
Superheroes Need Health Insurance, Too
Ms. Magnificent can stop a moving train before it hits a family of ducks but sometimes asthma gets the best of her, sending this superhero off to the emergency room. She gets a rescue inhaler at the ER and a “super-sized bill.” Ms. Magnificent has no insurance and the costly treatment is just a short-term fix.
Media Inquiries
Topics I cover
How costs, gaps, and billing issues harm care
The toll of managing chronic conditions
Ways systems can ease burden and improve access
How design flaws affect patients, families, and providers
Proven strategies that make care more affordable
Who I Work With
Journalists covering health, policy, or systems
Podcast hosts seeking informed, clear guests
Researchers and institutions needing commentary
Nonprofits shaping public messaging and narratives
Legislators and Policy Makers
