Ann is a first-year capstone student. A graduate of the UW-Madison Life Sciences Communications department, Ann has worked primarily in corporate communications, where she has written about a wide range of topics, including lawyers professional liability, consumer and environmental issues, energy, and professional and financial services. Through her church, she has served as a Stephen minister and delivered communion to people in their homes or care centers. Ann became interested in the certificate program as preparation for an encore career, serving the needs of patients and their families and raising public awareness of consumer health care issues.
Emily is a second year genetic counseling student in the Pediatrics department. She was drawn to patient advocacy because of its importance in the field of genetic counseling, which she feels will serve as an asset for her in the future. She has had numerous experiences with the health care system over the past year in her genetic counseling program, and hopes that the Center for Patient Partnerships will continue to build upon this experience.
Jennifer is completing her first year of graduate school in the Medical Genetics/Genetic Counseling program. She was drawn to patient advocacy because her area of discipline relies heavily upon advocacy and providing patients with information in order for them to make informed and independent decisions. Past advocacy experience includes: Big Brothers Big Sisters (Big Sister mentor), Special Olympics, MCH Lend program, and various health care experiences through my graduate program.
Kathe is a registered nurse currently working at a hospital in Madison. Advocacy has been a cornerstone of my nursing practice for over 30 years. My primary obligation to the patient, in addition to providing safety and comfort, is to promote their personal journey through the health care process. My years of experience have given me knowledge and expertise to assist the patient in navigating the often intimidating and bewildering system. The Center will help me become an even better provider.
Natalie is a second year graduate student studying genetic counseling. She became interested in patient advocacy through experience advocating for patients in her career training. It is her hope to help patients navigate the health care system and empower them to make informed medical decisions. She has advocacy experience with teens and their families in crisis, families with children who have autism, and patients seen in the genetics clinics.
Rachel is a first year genetic counseling student. She was drawn to patient advocacy because she hopes to help families facing challenges. Rachel feels genetic counselors have a versatile role and better serve patients by integrating health advocacy into their work. Rachel's past advocacy experience includes volunteer work at the Rape Victim Advocacy Program and case coordination during clinical rotations as a genetic counseling student.
Reesha is a student in the Master of Public Health Program. She was drawn to patient advocacy because it works in tandem with her career goal of becoming a physician assistant and will allow her to better understand her patients and provide the care and services they need. She has held a myriad of positions in health care, insurance, and other service roles that she feels will allow her to assist patients as they face challenges dealing with chronic pain, a complex health care system, and the uncertainty of next steps.
Sarah is a first year Capstone student. She was drawn to patient advocacy following her experience working as a caregiver and advocate for a family member who struggled to navigate the healthcare system while dealing with a serious illness. Sarah's background is in sociology and religious studies and she currently works with an organization dedicated to improving pain management.
Students from the Fall 09 clinical.
Students from the Summer '07 clinical gather weekly to discuss cases. Back row, L to R: Wendy Nguyen (Med 1), Carissa Gottlieb (MS1, Population Health), Rachel Adams (Law 2), Barbara Conley (Law 3), Kim Nichols (MSW 1), Maura Heffernan (Law 2). Front row: Steve Grunder (Law 3), Brian Harahan (MD/PhD program, Population Health), Craig Johnson (Law 2), and Patient Advocate Pete Daly.Wendy Nguyen (MD expected 2011, UW - Madison)
When Wendy Nguyen, who grew up in Stevens Point, finished her college degree in political science, she sought an experience to prepare her for the clinical side of medical school. She wanted to learn more about what patients deal with outside of a medical setting. She came to the right place.
Volunteering at the Center for more than a year at the Center after finishing her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and political science, Wendy advocated with clients on a variety of issues, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reconsideration applications, coordination of care, end-of-life care, and research on clinical trials.
"My experiences working with clients facing a diverse range of healthcare-related issues will make me a more well-rounded and socially conscious physician," Wendy notes. "Anyone entering a healthcare field could benefit from this invaluable opportunity."
In August 2008, Wendy began her second year studying medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She also intends to complete a Master's Degree in Public Health.
Craig Johnson (JD 2009, University of Wisconsin Law School)
Originally from Green Bay, Craig Johnson grew up around healthcare and eventually studied politics and economics as an undergraduate. After completing his first year of law school, he came to the Center with a desire to apply his personal experience, knowledge and skills towards assisting clients navigate this complicated system.
As a student in our summer clinical, Craig advocated with clients on a variety of issues including insurance coverage and appeals, interpreting treatment options and government programs, and a research project on Wisconsin hospitals' Community Care programs.
"Being challenged with the responsibility to help real clients with serious situations has forced me to take strides as a professional and a person," Craig says. "I am confident that the experience, reward, and impact of working at the CPP make it the absolute best way to have spent the summer following my first year of law school."
Craig graduated in 2009 from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
