Blaine Kifle is an oncology nurse and a breast cancer patient advocate. Blaine Kifle has been in healthcare for over 20 years, with the last 10 focused on oncology nursing. Her career path was influenced by personal experiences with cancer in her family, including losing both parents to the disease and having siblings who are cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment.
Kifle’s diverse experience in healthcare, both administrative and clinical, has given her insight into how the healthcare system works. She observed that even well-educated individuals with good resources struggle to navigate the complexities of cancer care. This realization motivated her to become a patient advocate, aiming to empower patients with the knowledge she’s gained over her career.
To address the information gap, Kifle is launching a blog and video series called “The Smarty Pants Cancer Nurse.” This project will provide accessible information on navigating the healthcare system, explaining medical terminology, and offering insights to help patients and caregivers better manage their care and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Kifle also discusses the role of technology in healthcare. With a master’s degree in health informatics, she notes that while technology has been disruptive and improved efficiency in most industries, its implementation in healthcare has been more challenging. She believes there’s potential for health technology to work better, similar to how other industries use technology effectively.
The conversation highlights the need for better patient education and support in navigating the complex healthcare system, especially when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Kifle’s work aims to make medical information more attainable and friendly to the average person, addressing an unmet need in the oncology space.
Overall, Kifle’s efforts combine her professional experience, personal motivation, and understanding of technology to improve patient experiences and outcomes in cancer care.
