By: Lillian Witting, MPH, Coordinator, Research, Education & Programs

On October 19 and 20, the National Health Council (NHC) will be hosting a two-day patient engagement symposium with the sub-theme of Health Equity for All. Although health disparities among underrepresented communities have existed for centuries, it was shown in sharp relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the scientific community grapples with the legacy of racism and systemic oppression, and data that is not sufficiently representative of the U.S. population, it is imperative to share and discuss actionable patient-centered solutions to health inequity. The speakers and panels will be discussing health equity within patient science, opportunities to promote diversity that are long lasting, and highlighting the importance of diversity in clinical trials.

In previous years, we have had a variety of organizations representing patient advocacy organizations, professional societies, nonprofit health groups, and industry in attendance. Anyone who is interested in health equity, the science of patient engagement, and patient-centered research are encouraged to register.

We are excited to be hosting our keynote speaker, Kristin Carman, PhD, MA, Director of Public and Patient Engagement at the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Other speakers include:

• Carrie Wolinetz, PhD, Deputy Director for Health and Life Science at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
• Nicholas Brooke, Executive Director, The Synergist and Patient Focused Medicines Development
• Regina James, MD, Chief of Division of Diversity and Health Equity at the American psychiatric Association
• Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP Executive Director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson
• Jennifer Miller, PhD, Associate Professor from Yale School of Medicine
• Ricki Fairley, Chief Executive Officer, TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance
• Alycia Shilton-Lloyd, PhD, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Imago BioSciences, Inc.
• Alexis Reisin Miller, Executive Director, Global Regulatory Policy (US Lead), Merck

To learn more about the speakers and view the agenda, visit our website.