What if we redefined healthcare beyond just doctor’s visits and medication? In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington welcomes Dr. Jacob Kendall, a passionate advocate for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and disabilities.

Having undergone two open-heart surgeries and served as a caregiver for loved ones with heart disease, Dr. Kendall brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation. He introduces his "four-dimensional health" framework, highlighting how health is not just medical but also social, financial, and systemic.

He also explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the power of self-advocacy, and the vital role of caregivers (as well as practical tips to help them care for themselves). If you’ve ever struggled with managing chronic illness or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build resilience and find joy in the process!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15 ]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15 ]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01 ]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02 ]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26 ]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33 ]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41 ]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06 ]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28 ]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11 ]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08 ]

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15 ]

• Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15 ]

• The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01 ]

• How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02 ]

• The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26 ]

• Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33 ]

• Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41 ]

• Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06 ]

• The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28 ]

• How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11 ]

• Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08 ]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/