Episode 21: Ruzica’s Story: Self-Advocacy, Intuition, and Navigating the Cardiac Care Gap

In this episode of Ticker Talk, we share the remarkable and deeply personal story of Ruzica Subotic-Howell, a retired registered nurse and former military medic with over 40 years of experience in healthcare. Despite her extensive clinical background and expertise, Ruzica spent years searching for answers as she battled a life-threatening cardiac condition. Her experience offers a powerful example of the persistent gender gap in cardiac care, where women’s concerns are too often overlooked or misattributed.

This conversation explores the profound shift from healthcare provider to patient. When her concerns weren’t taken seriously, Ruzica relied on her medical training to meticulously document her symptoms and advocate for herself.

Now six months post-surgery, Ruzica reflects on the transformation that followed. Once defined by constant motion, she now lives with greater presence, balance, and mindfulness. Her story stands as a deeply human call for every listener to trust their instincts, track and document their symptoms, and never hesitate to advocate fiercely for their own care.