Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs Ep 129: Given 6 Months to Live: Healthcare Policy from the Patient’s Perspective
You won’t find many people on this planet that have a story to tell like Nick Zerwas. Born with congenital heart defect, Zerwas has been given six months to live on six separate occasions but he’s still here living life to the fullest. Who better to get an opinion on healthcare policy changes than someone like Zerwas, who has also served in the Minnesota House of Representatives? Join us as we hear his amazing story of beating the odds and how he’s overcoming his greatest fear of wasting precious time by trying to make a difference.
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:23 – Introducing our guest today
5:32 – Nick’s health history
10:26 – Surviving the Fontan procedure
13:01 – Being told 6 months left to live multiple times
16:00 – Julie interviewed for anesthesia school
19:57 – How has this shaped Nick
25:44 – His decision to run for public office at 25
28:40 – Health policy
32:34 – CRNA’s role in policy-making
36:48 – Pitting people against each other
40:22 – What is important to all elected officials?
43:15 – How effective are emails?
43:15 – Closing thoughts
50:03 – Lightning round