- December 17, 2025
Halifax Health conducts seminars.
Mike Foley, pastor of Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, said when he gets back to the parking lot after visiting his doctor, he usually remembers what he wanted talk to him about.
That’s one reason he thought the public would be interested in the seminar, “Patient Engagement 101: Get Involved In Your Healthcare,” presented by Halifax Health, which has teamed up with Johns Hopkins Medical Center to launch a program to help people understand how they can be an active member of their own healthcare team.
“An informed patient is a good patient,” Foley said.
Marcia Geelhood, a member of the church who attended the seminar, said she had not had to take action in her health care, but had a friend who had cancer and was very active.
The seminar was led by Jerry Boggs, who works in cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, and Christine Gordreau, a registered nurse.
Gordreau said that communication is no longer one way from the doctor to the patient. She said patients must be sure to ask their questions during an appointment and also be sure they understand what the doctor is telling them.
She said the average doctor’s appointment is only 13 to 20 minutes, and it’s important to be prepared, make your concerns known, ask questions and be sure to remember what the doctor says, even if you have to bring a family member or record the visit on your own recorder.
It’s a good idea to write down the top three concerns you have to be sure you discuss them with the doctor, she said.
After the doctor gives his instructions, Gordreau said you should repeat them to make sure you understand.
Boggs said a patient can also ask for a written record of the visit.
The audience also learned about asking questions about medical tests, diagnoses and treatment options. They received tips on emergency room trips, reducing the chance of infections, advance directives, finding reliable information, etc.
Boggs said Halifax Health wants to have the seminars monthly and residents can watch the newspaper for announcements.
Gordreau said if an organization is interested, they can contact the marketing department at Halifax Health.
Foley said the seminar was part of the Amsden Academy which presents monthly seminars at 10 a.m. for lifelong learning. The next seminar, on Feb. 21, will cover childhood education and on March 28 the topic will be retirement planning.
