I learned early on from my days working as a medical technologist what patients told me…you are your own best advocate. If you can’t get through to a physician or unhappy with their answer, cut the losses as they say and move on. My first rule,of thumb is go to a comprehensive medical center in a major city and then look for a clinician-scientist…one who also conducts clinical trials. They are the most knowledgable and best at “thinking outside the box” . Also it is important to be assertive but in a respectful manner. I found that doing my own research and preparing my arguments to defend my position gets the respect of care team members. Years after recovering from stage IV pancreatic cancer, I went back to visit my care team. I’ll never forget what they said….that they respected me for my efforts and having taken a deep interest in my case. They looked at me as one of the members of the team and not just the patient. I never sat in the exam room with that “deer in the headlights look”. I knew my life depending on engaging the care team and showing them I had strong resolve and perseverance.