Health Care Answers is a new company founded by Jodi Shaefer, RN, PhD. The purpose of Health Care Answers is to help consumers work better with their health care provider and the system, to get the most out of their encounters with the medical world. People who get the best health care are those who are involved in their care: that is, they have learned about their symptoms or condition, they know about some of the treatments and are not intimidated at the prospect of asking questions. Primary care providers are now the gatekeepers to obtain the health care. Patients must become partners with their primary care provider. Health Care Answers strives to help you be a more informed partner.

Dr. Shaefer is a registered nurse with more than 25 years' experience in clinical practice, administration, education, and nursing research. She is currently on the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

She brings a fresh perspective to this very important area of patient information. Dr. Shaefer's primary interest is teaching patients to advocate for themselves. She believes this is best accomplished through education that empowers individuals to take charge of their own health care. She has a unique talent for translating technical medical jargon into everyday terms, to make even the most complex medical conditions and research findings easily understood.

Because some of her clinical work has been with children, she is especially skilled at communicating information to fearful and stressed parents. She has worked extensively with bereaved families facing their child's death. She understands the importance of listening carefully to people's needs, being sensitive to cultural differences, and addressing health and illness from a holistic perspective. She seeks to share her knowledge with others, to help consumers learn how to obtain the best health care possible for themselves and their families.

In addition to her direct work with patients and families, Dr. Shaefer is a published author and popular speaker at workshops, conferences, and in-service programs. Her publishing history includes articles in peer-reviewed journals, commissioned reports, and various health education materials. She has produced educational videotapes, and was invited to present health education messages as part of a local cable station's health program. She has lectured locally, nationally, and internationally on a variety of health promotion topics.