I was welcomed to join an advocacy and policy committee of the American Urological Association.

Then, I tried--as the only prostate cancer patient on the committee--for a dramatic and simple change in biopsies, to move away from the transrectal (transfecal) biopsy. There is a simple change urologists can make that can save thousands of lives and prevent disabilities by preventing sepsis.

I spoke up. I was kicked off the committee. Fired. Not sure if's because I am an advocate. Or because my day job is as a journalist. Both played a role. The committee didn't want a reporter snooping around I guess. Professional (paid) advocates didn't like a patient shopping around.

Then, I was "canceled." I had been invited to a meeting. Then I was "canceled."  The cancel culture took me out I guess. But I am not giving up.