Advice from Both Sides of Healthcare with Dr. Melanie Hoppers

Dr. Melanie Hoppers shares her dual perspective as a physician and a parent of a child with POTS and related conditions. After her daughter, Sarah, suffered from long-term complications following mono, including POTS and myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Dr. Hoppers realized the gaps in medical care for complex chronic illnesses, especially in her rural Tennessee town. Despite having an MD, she faced dismissive treatments from healthcare providers when seeking care for her daughter. Taking inspiration from the Bateman Horne Center, Dr. Hoppers adapted her practice to specialize in complex conditions like POTS, emphasizing compassion, listening, and patient-centered care. She advises patients to be informed, present problems clearly, and not overwhelm doctors with too many issues at once to foster productive medical relationships. She stresses that physicians must recognize their significant impact on patients, while patients should understand the limitations and pressures doctors face.