I am a 24-year-old first-year medical student. On December 18, 2025, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment.
That day, I initially presented the emergency department with severe shortness of breath, near-syncope (fainting), and a rapid heart rate (tachycardia). I explicitly expressed that I felt like I was going to pass out, was unable to breathe normally, and needed immediate assistance. Despite these classic red-flag symptoms, the triage nurse dismissed my concerns.
Because of this dismissal and lack of appropriate response, I made the decision to leave and seek care elsewhere. I went to another hospital, where I was immediately evaluated. The medical team there promptly recognized the severity of my condition, diagnosed a pulmonary embolism, and performed an emergency thrombectomy, which ultimately saved my life. I was explicitly told by physicians that if I had not advocated for myself and left the first hospital, I would likely not have survived.
My experience with a blood clot has had a lasting emotional and physical impact. I continue to struggle with medical trauma, and as a medical student, I am experiencing moral injury due to feeling dismissed, a lack of empathy, and a lack of accountability within the healthcare system.
Since this experience, I have learned the importance of patient self-advocacy, listening to bodily warning signs, and recognizing how profoundly medical trauma can affect recovery. The NBCA resources have been helpful in better understanding my diagnosis and what recovery entails.
My advice is to advocate for yourself relentlessly and listen to your body. Trust your instincts, seek care elsewhere if needed, and never hesitate to ask for help.
Resources
What is a PE?
Thrombectomy
NBCA Resource Center
