Getting to Know: Silke Schoch, Research & Programs Manager
Following is a Q&A to get to know Silke Schoch, Manager, Research & Programs, who began working at the National Health Council (NHC) in June 2017.
Putting Patients First (PPF) Blog: Why did you want to work for the NHC?
I enjoy working for the NHC because it is an organization that not only attempts to address national issues such as access to quality, affordable health care but also delves into important burgeoning issues. The NHC is able to respond to problems in health care as they arise and is also forward thinking in tackling concerns that may affect patients with chronic conditions in the future.
PPF Blog: What’s your favorite part about working at the NHC?
My favorite thing about working at the NHC is that I get to experience firsthand the expertise and dedication of patient advocates both at the NHC and at other organizations. It is wonderful to be able to listen to their voices as they speak about common goals, challenges, and breakthroughs for patients everywhere.
PPF Blog: What upcoming project are you excited about working on?
I have been involved with the NHC’s Patient Journey Mapping Toolbox project since it began and am very excited to see the impact that our work has patients and researchers alike. The Patient Journey Mapping Toolbox will create tools, including a patient experience map, that will inform patient-centric efforts in research, product development, and care delivery. This will be an incredibly useful way to improve the collection of patient journeys when they speak about their experience with their condition.
PPF Blog: You help coordinate the NHC’s Patient-Focused Medical Product Development Webinar Series. Tell us about the series and why it’s important.
Assisting in the logistics and promotion of these webinars has been one of my favorite projects. This webinar series is very timely because it delves into a topic that is vital to all stakeholders in the health care ecosystem: medical-product development. The NHC seeks to promote comprehensive and innovative ways to incorporate the patient voice into medical-product development, as well as inform patient advocacy organizations about the relevance of it and their vital role.
PPF Blog: Tell us about your musical background.
In my free time, I enjoy being a part of multiple music ensembles and exploring D.C.’s wonderful classical music scene. I have been studying singing and classical music since I was in middle school, so living in D.C. has provided me with a lot of amazing opportunities to learn from talented musicians.
