This book is a portable support system that helps you navigate through the medical system effectively. Whether you are going through a medical crisis, enjoying good health, or are a caretaker advocating for a loved one, you need the book you are now about to read. This isn’t your typical medical-advice book that will just tell you to ask questions during your exam, record your session with the doctor, or take notes. While this is sound advice, self-advocacy involves so much more. Through my personal story and advice, you will learn how to distinguish good doctors from inadequate ones and how to fire the latter. This guide will also teach you the many roles you must play to make the medical system work for you. These roles include being a savvy manipulator, listener, gambler, observer, letter-writer, courageous warrior, diplomat, leader - and your own hero. You already have these qualities. You are the best advocate for yourself. After all, if you don’t stand up for yourself, who will? You call the shots in your medical care.