Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed, unheard, or questioning your own body?
In this episode of The Art of Badassery, I sit down with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier—OB-GYN physician assistant, reproductive health advocate, and author of the upcoming book We Deserve More to unpack medical gaslighting, power dynamics in healthcare, and how to confidently advocate for yourself.
Nikki shares how her personal experiences from gaps in postpartum care to surviving childhood sexual abuse have shaped her work and the online community she’s built. Together, we explore the complex history of U.S. gynecology, disparities in care for Black women, and real-life examples of gaslighting, including delayed endometriosis diagnoses.
We also dive into navigating perimenopause and menopause, and discuss practical ways to protect yourself in medical settings like requesting a chaperone or declining an exam if something doesn’t feel right.
Listen to the episode here
Watch the episode here
Welcome to our latest blog post inspired by an enlightening episode from the Art of Bad Assery podcast. Hosted by Jenn Cassetta, this episode features Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, an OB/GYN physician assistant, reproductive health advocate, and author of the upcoming book “We Deserve More.” Together, they uncover the layers of medical gaslighting, exploring its impact on women’s healthcare, and share empowering strategies for self-advocacy.
Medical Setting Challenges
Jenn Cassetta and her guest, Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, dive into the complex world of medical gaslighting and its effects on women’s experiences in healthcare. They discuss how patients often feel unheard and dismissed, especially when their concerns about health are trivialized by professionals. This lack of acknowledgment can lead women to doubt their own experiences and impede their pursuit of necessary care.
A History Uncovered
Sapiro Vinckier reveals the troubling origins of gynecology in the United States, shedding light on the systemic biases that persist today. Through her research and personal experiences, she highlights the importance of recognizing past injustices and using that awareness to improve current healthcare practices, particularly for marginalized groups.
The Fight for Better Care
In her book “We Deserve More,” Nikki Sapiro Vinckier emphasizes the need for systemic change in reproductive healthcare. During the podcast, she discusses how women can empower themselves within a flawed medical system. From learning to recognize medical gaslighting to understanding power dynamics, the conversation underscores the importance of being informed and prepared to advocate for yourself and others.
Empowering Community Support
Nikki shares how her personal journey through the healthcare system opened her eyes to widespread issues. After experiencing inadequate care herself, she turned frustration into action by building a community that supports women’s health advocacy. By speaking out online and sharing stories, Sapiro Vinckier and Cassetta highlight the power of collective voice and action.
Takeaways from This Episode
- Recognize Medical Gaslighting: Understanding the signs of medical gaslighting can empower women to trust their instincts and seek the care they deserve. It’s vital for patients and providers to have open, honest communication based on trust and respect.
- Learn from History: Acknowledging the historical roots of reproductive healthcare exposes the systemic issues affecting current practices. Awareness is a critical step toward advocating for equitable healthcare for all.
- Advocate for Change: Through education and community support, women can drive change in how healthcare is delivered. By sharing information and empowering others, we can collectively work toward a system that truly supports women’s health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
The Art of Bad Assery podcast delivers a powerful message about self-advocacy and system reform in women’s healthcare. Nikki Sapiro Vinckier’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating these challenges, encouraging listeners to engage actively in their own healthcare journey. For more empowering discussions, subscribe to the podcast and tune in to hear from incredible women making a difference.
Important Links
- Website – https://www.nikkivinck.com/
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nikkivinck
- Book – We Deserve More – https://www.nikkivinck.com/wedeservemore
- Subscribe to Jenn’s newsletter so you never miss an episode
- Book Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo
- Burnout to Badass
- The 6 Habits Of High Performance With Jenn Cassetta – Past episode
- Art of Badassery Retreat
- Art of Badassery Newsletter
About Nikki Sapiro Vinckier
Nikki Sapiro Vinckier is an OB/GYN Physician Assistant with more than a decade of clinical experience and the founder of Take Back Trust, a digital platform designed to help people navigate reproductive healthcare with confidence, clarity, and without shame. Through Take Back Trust, she provides education, visit-planning tools, real-world scripts, and “Know Your Rights” guides that center patients—not systems. Her work supports individuals across a wide range of experiences, including choosing birth control, navigating miscarriage or loss, accessing abortion care, seeking queer-affirming medicine, and advocating for themselves in medical settings.
In addition to her clinical and platform work, Nikki is a content creator, media strategist, and public speaker focused on reproductive freedom, health equity, and dismantling stigma in medicine. She collaborates with campaigns, coalitions, and advocacy organizations nationwide to develop messaging that resonates deeply and inspires action. In 2024, she joined the Harris for President digital team in Michigan. Her work has been featured in outlets including HuffPost, Newsweek, the Detroit Free Press, Gander Newsroom, and Courier News, among others.
Learn more about Nikki at https://www.nikkivinck.com/
