Confidence, Crisis, and Comeback – A Conversation with Elizabeth Manuel Bayleigh

In this episode

Join us for a deeply revealing conversation with Elizabeth, a distinguished judge turned determined patient advocate. From enduring a misdiagnosed aneurysm that led to a near-fatal brain hemorrhage, to navigating a series of medical oversights, Elizabeth’s story lays bare the emotional complexity behind patient care. Hosted by Debbie from Merakoi, this dialogue unpacks how personal resilience, persistent questioning, and self-advocacy can transform a passive patient experience into a pursuit of healthcare accountability—ultimately unveiling what truly lies beneath those simplified patient journey maps.

Guest Bio

Elizabeth – Former judge, stroke survivor, and unyielding voice for patient empowerment. Having faced medical negligence firsthand, she now channels her intellect and resolve into championing improved dialogue, accountability, and holistic support for patients whose warnings too often go unheard.

Key Topics

• Overlooked Symptoms & Their Near-Fatal Consequences
• Reclaiming Agency in an Intimidating Healthcare System
• The Emotional Whirlwind Beyond Standard “Touchpoints”
• The Power of Asking Questions and Challenging Diagnoses
• From Silence to Strength: Transforming a Patient Journey into Advocac

What you need to know

1. “Trusting your gut can be lifesaving.” If something feels wrong, keep asking questions until you get answers that make sense. Dismissing patient intuition risks missing critical diagnoses.
2. “Medical negligence nearly killed me, but I fought for the care I deserved.” Knowing when and how to push back is essential. Patients don’t have to accept a superficial ‘all clear’ when persistent symptoms say otherwise.
3. “Empowered patients shape better healthcare.” Seeking a second opinion, demanding clarity, and sharing your experiences fuels a healthcare system that values real-world patient insights over reductive data points.

About Merakoi

At Merakoi, we believe patients aren’t just data points—they’re co-creators of better healthcare. By partnering with patient experts and life sciences teams, we go beyond superficial journey maps and dig into the deeper, real-life experiences shaping care. Our aim? To create empathic, impactful solutions that truly honor the stories behind every touchpoint. If you’re ready to move beyond checklists and embrace patient-led innovation, Let's chat!