I know our advocacy resources are limited but it often struck me how little seems to be focused on University schools of medicine and related teaching hospitals.
If we ever want to change this situation you'd imagine it has to come from these places.
I totally agree. Many excellent patient advocates have tried, and failed (through no fault of their own), to achieve funding for ME by bringing attention to the illness in political/governmental realms.
This year alone, two physicians (my GP, and one specialist) have apologized to me over the abandonment of ME. They want to help, and are trying to do so within the limitations of the Canadian Medical system, which they acknowledge are significant. I'm sure they are not alone in feeling "hamstrung". Until more physicians demand help for their patients, things are unlikely to improve -- or at least not as quickly as they need to.
Although I did experience appalling disrespect/denial from a couple of medical practitioners in the past, these days all members of my healthcare team are supportive. I realize this situation is not the "norm" for our group, but I generally don't consider doctors the enemy. Imagine the good they could do if more of them obtained accurate and adequate training in med school. My current doctors are the type for whom medicine is a passion, and who willingly accept all of my articles as their "bedtime reading".