Coming from a family of doctors, Nathalie always knew her career would be rooted in the field of medicine; but at a young age, her perspective shifted as she found herself immersed in the patient side of healthcare. Now as a Client Services Associate at VOZ Advisors, Nathalie is bringing both perspectives to bear in her role, working to make sure patient narratives are central to the delivery of healthcare.

Q: What inspired your passion for healthcare?
Healthcare has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. With grandfathers who were doctors and great-grandparents who founded and operated a hospital, I was immersed in the medical world from an early age. I was always fascinated by medicine and drawn to helping others. My family still jokes about how, as a child, I would immediately sprint to grab a band-aid or ice pack when someone got hurt, determined to do my part to make them feel better.

At eight years old, my perspective became more nuanced when I unexpectedly found myself as a patient. It started with an acute onset of double vision, followed by a cascade of seemingly unrelated symptoms. The search for a diagnosis was exhausting—both physically and emotionally. Too often, I felt unheard and dismissed, my symptoms brushed aside as inexplicable or even imaginary. After nearly a decade, I was finally diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disease. That diagnosis not only explained my complex symptoms but also validated my experiences, something I had long been denied by the medical system.

This journey, from eager childhood helper, to frustrated patient, to empowered advocate, has fueled my passion for patient-centered care and ensuring that no one feels unheard or dismissed in their time of need. I am driven to help shape a healthcare system that truly listens to, validates, and empowers patients.

Q: How did your health challenges shape your approach to problem-solving and innovation?
Throughout college, I struggled with my vision and overall health, which made certain subjects like organic chemistry particularly difficult. To address this, I created an independent study course called “Accessibility in Organic Chemistry,” through which I explored ways to make the subject more accessible to students with visual impairments. This experience not only helped me overcome my own challenges, but also showed me how personal struggles can lead to innovations that benefit others.

Q: How did your experience as a patient influence your academic path?
My experience as a patient exposed me to systemic issues in healthcare and showed me how important it is to listen to patients. During my freshman year at Brown University, I took an incredible course called Literature and Medicine, which introduced me to medical humanities and narrative medicine—interdisciplinary fields that explore the human experience of illness through storytelling, literature, and ethical reflection. Inspired by the power of patient narratives, I co-founded the Brown Journal of Medical Humanities and later pursued a master’s degree in narrative medicine.

Q: What led you to VOZ Advisors, and what is the most rewarding part of your work here?
In my search for a career where I could apply my background in medical humanities and narrative medicine to create meaningful change for patients, I discovered VOZ Advisors—and it immediately felt like the perfect fit. At VOZ, we work with our clients to ensure that patient voices are not just heard, but truly valued. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts lead to a stronger patient focus, improved experiences, and better outcomes. I also appreciate the opportunity to continually expand my knowledge of different medical conditions and patient populations, broadening my understanding of the diverse challenges faced by patients and their families.

Q: What is a book recommendation you’d like to share?
I highly recommend Rebel Health: A Field Guide to the Patient-Led Revolution in Medical Care by Susannah Fox. Everyone should read it!

Q: What is something people might be surprised to know about you?  
Despite having double vision and other health issues, I was a synchronized figure skater growing up. I traveled across the country with my team to compete, and in 2016, we won the national championship.