Join 30-year brain cancer survivor, patient rights activist, and author Matthew Zachary for an honest conversation about what happens when personal illness becomes a catalyst for systems change. Drawing from themes in Matthew’s new book, We the Patients: Understanding, Navigating, and Surviving America’s Healthcare Nightmare, this session will explore how advocates can help clients navigate fragmented systems, recognize structural barriers to care, amplify patient voice, and respond effectively when healthcare institutions fail.
Through real world stories and practical discussion, participants will examine how independent advocates can support autonomy, strengthen healthcare literacy, and help patients make informed decisions in complex situations. This session has been approved for 1 General CE by the Patient Advocate Certification Board.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify common structural barriers within the U.S. healthcare system that impact patient access, continuity of care, and informed decision-making.
- Apply communication and advocacy strategies that promote patient autonomy, self-advocacy, and informed participation when clients encounter delays, denials, or fragmented care.
- Analyze ethical approaches for escalating concerns, documenting barriers, and supporting clients while maintaining professional boundaries and role clarity.
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