Should Providers Advocate for Their Patients?

AbstractThis piece discusses several ways in which providers may advocate for patients and their families that go beyond what providers usually do to help their patients. A much more expanded view of advocacy is suggested. Real cases illustrating all interventions suggested are presented, and each is paradigmatic of numerous others. Categories of possible options suggested for expanded advocacy include (1) providers enhancing patients' outcomes when standard treatments have failed, (2) providers taking measures outside those they usually take to benefit patients to a greater extent, and (3) providers sacrificing their own needs more than they customarily do to help their patients still further. The suggested interventions are practical and can be implemented immediately. Taken together, the interventions proposed are also aspirational.