This 28-Year-Old Woman Is Going Viral For Creating A “Medical Binder” So Doctors Listen To Her, And It’s Genius

If you're someone who frequents the doctor's office, chances are you've had a negative experience managing your records, getting in touch with providers, or treating your concerns — especially if you're a woman or person of color.

Jessica Wetz, a 28-year-old content creator and disability advocate from Vancouver, went viral this past year with a solution that has helped her manage negative experiences and wasted time with doctors — and eventually get a genetic diagnosis after 14 years of navigating many physicians and a complex medical history.

In a video that has since amassed over 4.7 million views, Jessica shared how creating a "medical binder" — a comprehensive collection of her medical records, including things like lab tests, X-rays, and reports — helped her advocate for herself, even when doctors dismissed her concerns.

"Medical binders make things faster for doctors. That's why we use them and why they thank me for them," Jessica began in her video, responding to a commenter from a previous video who suggested a binder might complicate doctors' work. She then broke down exactly how her binder works.

"I had a doctor say to me, 'There's no way you had straightening of the lumbar curvature at 14.' You don't have to believe me. I have the report right here. Let's read it together," Jessica gave in a series of examples where she used her binder.

In other scenarios, she described not having to repeat blood tests and ultrasounds for new doctors by having the reports handy. "I had a doctor say to me, 'OK, Jessica, I'm gonna order you some labs, and then in six weeks, we'll go over them.'" She replied, "What blood work do you want? He goes, 'Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Iron.' Perfect, had it two days ago. I have it right in front of me. We don't need to wait six weeks. He's like, 'Oh, that was easy.'"

Other times, Jessica more blatantly used her binder as proof of her chronic illness when doctors didn't believe her. "One time [at the] doctor, I said, 'I have Ehlers-Danlos,'" Jessica said in her video. "He goes, 'You have Ehlers-Danlos? Like a doctor diagnosed you with that?' I go, 'Yup.' He goes, 'What's the doctor's name?' You don't have to believe me, dude. I literally have the report right here; there you go."

@jessicawetz6 / Via tiktok.com

Overall, Jessica said in her video, "The purpose of the binder is to prove to them what other doctors have said because they're not gonna take my word for it."

For those who worry that the binder might waste doctors' time, Jessica emphasized that it's not meant to be read "front to back." Instead, it serves as a practical, time-saving tool she can quickly reference to provide doctors with information when needed.

"With this book, I can shut down every time a doctor has wanted to sit there for 15 minutes and mansplain some bullshit to me that's not true," Jessica said at the end of her video. "So talk about wasting time. This is how I avoid doctors wasting my f**cking time."

Since sharing her video, thousands have rushed to the comments to share their thoughts, support, and interest in creating their own binders, too.

Several people shared that they already use medical binders, which have helped them secure proper care and avoid incorrect treatments. "Mine saved me from getting an unnecessary pacemaker. The doctor read through everything and said, 'That would have been really bad,' and sent me home with a management plan for IST," one person wrote.

Medical professionals also shared their approval in the comments. "Many doctors have appreciated how this saves time by allowing them to focus on treatment rather than hunting down files," Jessica told BuzzFeed.

Jessica shared that doctors' responses during her appointments have been positive overall. "At my first appointment with the binder, the doctor noted, 'She is very well organized and has a binder documenting her medical history,'" Jessica told BuzzFeed. "Previously, my records said things like, 'The patient was unclear and struggled to communicate.'"

Jessica also said her reports shifted from saying things like "patient verbally reports receiving a diagnosis" to "she has a diagnosis" based on the evidence in her binder. "I'm taken seriously now, and doctors are aware that their report will go into my binder next, which results in fewer errors," she said.

"It also speeds things up," she continued. Jessica explained that when she was seeking a diagnosis for POTS, she had the necessary tests to quickly rule out other conditions. "By presenting reports from my CT scan, echocardiogram, ECG, Holter monitor, and blood work, I was diagnosed on the spot."

Joel Bervell, a fourth-year medical student known as the "Medical Mythbuster" on social media for his advocacy on health disparities and equitable care, told BuzzFeed that Jessica's binder represents a "practical way" for patients to feel empowered, take control, and actively participate in their healthcare.

"Creating a medical binder can be incredibly beneficial. It helps patients keep their information organized, which can be essential in complex cases where medical history, tests, and medications can become overwhelming," Joel continued.

"Often, when patients come to the hospital from different institutions, it can be difficult to find all of the records in one place. Medical binders aren't just helpful for patients, but helpful for providers as well," he said.

Still, while most feedback about Jessica's medical binder has been positive, others pointed out that the onus to track records and advocate for their concerns shouldn't only be on the patient. "We have to become a Dr to get other Drs to listen 😭😭😭😭," one person wrote.

Joel emphasized that Jessica's binder underscores significant gaps in how healthcare systems handle follow-up care and patient advocacy. "Patients shouldn't have to become 'expert record keepers' just to receive competent, compassionate care," he said.

"In a perfect world, the healthcare system would track these details seamlessly, but given current limitations, particularly fragmentation within electronic medical records, it often falls on the patient. This speaks to a need for better integration of patient records, continuity of care, and a more compassionate approach to patient communication."

Others also pointed out that there may be a stigma attached to bringing a medical binder to appointments. One person said their doctor said their medical binder noted proof that they were "malingering"; another said their doctors would be "too defensive" for the medical binder to work.

Joel acknowledged that, unfortunately, this stigma is a real possibility. He explained that some healthcare providers might view a binder as a sign of "over-preparedness" or health anxiety. "Patients should be aware that while many providers appreciate well-prepared patients, some might not," he told BuzzFeed. "A binder could be seen as 'malingering' by certain biases in healthcare, which unfortunately still exist."

For those looking to make a medical binder themselves, Jessica recommended researching how to access records in your area, as many countries allow patients to request digital or paper copies under certain conditions. She also suggested having a doctor request on your behalf, as you may avoid fees requesting for "medical purposes" rather than "personal use."

To organize the binder, Jessica places files relevant to her chronic illness in chronological order and uses plastic sleeves to keep reports and discs together while saving space. Before appointments, she'll send relevant files to the doctor's office so they can review or copy them in advance. She also created a digital PDF of her binder so she can digitally search terms for quick access.

Jessica also reminded people that reading medical records can be confusing and upsetting. She told BuzzFeed, "Reports are written in clinical language, expecting the patient won't read it, which can make them read cold or dehumanizing."

"You might see inaccurate info between what you remember saying and what's written or outright lies. Some doctors write their reports immediately, while others might wait a week. There are ways to correct information through official means if you feel it's inaccurate and affecting your care."

In general, for those looking to advocate for themselves at the doctor, with or without a binder, Joel advised: "Patients can advocate for themselves by preparing key questions, summarizing symptoms, and requesting clear action steps at appointments. For providers, listening actively and acknowledging patient concerns, even if they seem minor, is crucial."

And while the binder can be a helpful tool for improving care, Joel emphasized it's not the complete answer to addressing the broader systemic challenges in healthcare. "The binder is one tool that can support these goals, but it's not the entire solution. Healthcare should be a partnership, and all sides have to work together to make patients feel seen and supported."

He added, "The 'medical binder' is just one of many tools patients may need to feel empowered. The real solution is systemic — improving patient-provider communication, building trust, and eliminating biases that may prevent people from feeling like they're truly part of the care team. And healthcare providers should be encouraged to value patient input and consider it a meaningful part of patient-centered care."

"For those changes to be made, we all must be willing to confront and call out portions of the medical system that aren't effectively working for us all."

What do you think? Have you used a medical binder, or would you use one at your next appointment? Let us know in the comments.