Sleep Apnea: The Power of Patient Stories
Emma Cooksey, Podcast Host

There is a lot of discussion around having a “patient-centered” practice but it’s rare that providers have the opportunity to hear directly from a patient.  In this webinar, Emma Cooksey, a patient advocate and “Sleep Apnea Stories” podcast host, shares her story from delayed diagnosis to navigating her treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.  Drawing on the stories of her podcast guests, Emma will help providers understand the diversity of patient experiences and how these can inform better clinical practices.

3 Learning Objectives:

After this presentation, attendees will be able to:

1) Implement small changes in language to radically change patient experiences.

2) Identify obstructive sleep apnea treatment options patients are choosing and why.

3) Understand why the current dental appliance landscape is so confusing for patients.

Emma Cooksey is a podcast host, patient advocate, writer and speaker.  She was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea at the age of 30 after more than a decade of unexplained health problems.  Once diagnosed, she felt alone and isolated navigating life with sleep apnea and adjusting to CPAP therapy.  In 2020, Emma began hosting a weekly podcast called “Sleep Apnea Stories.”  By sharing her journey and encouraging others to tell their stories, Emma has been breaking down stereotypes of sleep apnea while also raising awareness of symptoms and treatment options.

In 2022 Emma was appointed to the board of directors at Project Sleep, a 501(c)(3) non-profit patient group raising awareness about sleep health, sleep equity and sleep disorders.

Originally from Scotland, Emma now lives in St Augustine, Florida, with her husband and two children.

1 CE credit available to AAPMD members