Patient Advocates
- A patient advocate is someone who works to promote the interests, rights, and well-being of patients within the healthcare system.
- Patient advocates typically focus on addressing broader systemic issues, such as healthcare policy, access to care, healthcare disparities, and patient rights.
- They may engage in activities such as policy advocacy, legislative lobbying, public education campaigns, and grassroots organizing to effect change at the institutional, community, or policy level.
- Patient advocates often work with advocacy organizations, patient support groups, healthcare institutions, and government agencies to advance patient-centered care and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.
Patient Ambassadors
- A patient ambassador is someone who shares their personal experiences and insights with others, often within a specific disease or health condition community.
- Patient ambassadors typically focus on raising awareness, providing support, and offering guidance to individuals who are facing similar health challenges.
- They may participate in activities such as public speaking engagements, media interviews, support group facilitation, and peer mentoring to share their stories, offer encouragement, and help others navigate their healthcare journey.
- Patient ambassadors often work closely with healthcare providers, patient advocacy organizations, and community groups to amplify patient voices, raise awareness about specific health conditions, and promote patient empowerment and education.
Certified
Patient Ambassador
- Certified patient ambassadors are essential advocates for individuals with inherited lipid disorders (this in particular refers to the main 4 conditions we advocate for, namely HeFH, HoFH, elevated Lp(a) or FCS )
- They play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support, empowering patients and their caregivers/family members, advocating for access to care, and influencing policy and research efforts aimed at improving outcomes/quality of life for individuals with familial lipid disorders.
- Their voices and experiences are essential in driving positive change and ensuring that the community receives the attention and resources it deserves, improving outcomes for individuals affected by these genetic conditions.
- They are uniquely placed to address issues of unmet needs, quality of life and the equality and equity. Their presence is critical to either contribute to or drive innovation.
In summary, while both patient advocates and patient ambassadors work to support and empower patients, patient advocates tend to focus on broader systemic issues and policy advocacy, while patient ambassadors focus on sharing personal experiences, raising awareness, and providing support within specific patient communities.