The old saying claims the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and in healthcare the saying is simply true, with one edit: the wheel must squeak in writing, on a schedule, with names attached.
Polite persistence is a discipline. One clear email, short and specific. Then a follow-up, dated, referencing the last one. Not angry — archived. The goal is to be the easiest person to help and the hardest person to lose.
Keep a running list: what you asked, who you asked, what was promised, and by when. When a promise quietly expires, your next message writes itself: “Following up on X, promised by Y.” No drama required. The paper trail does the squeaking.
And when it works — when the appointment lands, the referral moves, the results arrive — be the wheel that says thank you, too. People help the people who make helping feel worthwhile. Then keep the receipt anyway.
Nobody is coming to manage this for you. That sounds bleak until you realize it is also a job offer. You are qualified. You have been doing it the entire time.
