Speakers
Elizabeth L. Cope, PhD, MPH
Elizabeth L. Cope, PhD, MPH, is Vice President of Health Systems Improvement at AcademyHealth, where she oversees a portfolio focused on the advancement of just, resilient, humanity-affirming systems of care. With expertise in epidemiology and implementation, Dr. Cope leads evidence translation collaboratives, performance improvement projects, and multi-stakeholder coalition-building initiatives. For 15 years, she has worked in safety net and pediatric settings focused on building research capacity among patients and providers, developing and evaluating system improvement strategies, and designing payment and performance policy. She is currently principal investigator for the HRSA-funded Enhancing Systems of Care for Children with Medical Complexity Coordinating Center (ESC3) and holds leadership roles in several HRSA- and AHRQ-funded initiatives, spanning topics like HIV viral suppression, patient-centered clinical decision support, and primary care strategies to improve management of urinary incontinence in women.
Dr. Cope routinely serves on technical expert and advisory groups, including the PCORI Engagement Tools Advisory Board, Patient-Reported Outcomes Tools:
Engaging Users & Stakeholders (PROTEUS), Well Being in the Nation (WIN) Measurement and Learning Collaborative, and the IHI/AHA National Initiative for Health Equity Measurement Selections Workgroup. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rice University and a Master of Public Health and doctorate degree from University of Michigan.
Dr. Mallorie Flores Fiero
Dr. Mallorie Flores Fiero, PhD, is a master scientist in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s (CDER) Office of Biostatistics within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2016, Dr. Fiero has supported the Division of Oncology 1 — covering breast, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers in the Office of Oncologic Diseases. Her specialized statistical expertise is in evaluating patient-reported outcomes in cancer trials. Dr. Fiero is also heavily involved in patient-focused drug development activities, both externally and internally, within the Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) and the CDER. Her other research interests include estimands, subgroup analyses, and missing data.
Dr. Fiero earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a PhD in Biostatistics from the University of Arizona.
Dr. Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW
Dr. Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW, is an advocate for people impacted by cancer and is passionate about ensuring that patient voices are the north star in health care decision and policy making. Dr. Franklin has spent two decades as an oncology advocacy leader and has significant expertise in professional social work, research, and public policy. She currently serves as Head, U.S. Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, Oncology with Sanofi and previously held positions as President of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), as well as the George Washington University Cancer Institute, Prevent Cancer Foundation, and National Association of Social Workers.
A recognized leader, Dr. Franklin received the Association of Oncology Social Worker’s Quality of Life Award in 2022 and was named a 40 under 40 leader in oncology in 2020. Her research articles have appeared in publications such as the JCO Oncology Practice, Journal of Cancer Education, Journal of Clinical Pathways, Health and Social Work, Value in Health, and Conquer Cancer Magazine. She has co-authored two books on nonprofit leadership and co-edited two social work texts. In addition, she is a member and leader in various organizations and coalitions,
including the Association of Oncology Social Work, Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators, National Navigation Roundtable, and National Association of Social Workers.
Dr. Franklin earned a doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky.
Dawn Morgan
Dawn Morgan is a dedicated, influential patient voice in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community and has maintained this role for the past decade, empowering individuals and families to navigate the complexities of the health care system. Her career shift from education to patient advocacy came after her MS diagnosis in 2000. Today, Morgan uses her talents for the MS community, spotlighting the varied — and often unheard — voices within the community.
In addition to her roles of advocate and leader, Morgan is a podcast host, speaker, and author. Her work has led her to partake in patient advisory committees and become a patient panelist for HIMSS. She has worked with Health Union; Chronius Health; Lyfebulb; and Biogen and was featured in the PBS television series “Medical Stories: Black & African American,” and ShiftMS. Morgan’s work has been highlighted in publications such as Well+Good, Healthline, Momentum, Brain & Life, and MS International Federation. Morgan remains dedicated to staying up to date on the latest developments in health care policy and practice, along with utilizing her platform to amplify the many voices that are often unheard.