What are the best ways to transition from a non-medical career to Patient Advocacy?
If you are looking for a meaningful and rewarding career that combines your passion for helping others with your skills and experience, you might want to consider becoming a patient advocate. Patient advocates are professionals who support and empower patients and their families to navigate the complex and often confusing healthcare system. They can help with finding the best doctors, understanding treatment options, communicating with insurance companies, resolving complaints, and more. But how can you transition from a non-medical career to patient advocacy? Here are some tips and steps to guide you.
The first step to becoming a patient advocate is to assess your current skills and interests and see how they align with the role and responsibilities of a patient advocate. You might have some transferable skills from your previous or current career, such as communication, research, problem-solving, empathy, or negotiation. You might also have some personal or professional experience with healthcare issues, such as chronic illness, disability, or caregiving. Think about what motivates you to pursue patient advocacy and what kind of patients or causes you want to focus on.
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Jenny Hambleton
Partnerships Manager & Marketing Strategy Lead | Elevating Patient Voices through AI
I knew I wanted to transition from government work into the non-profit space but was having trouble deciding my niche. One thing I found helpful was meeting with people in my network who were working at different patient advocacy organizations that I was interested in and asking them about their experiences. It helped me narrow down my choices about where I wanted to be to best help patients in my area!
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Além disso, considere buscar oportunidades de desenvolvimento profissional, como cursos, treinamentos ou certificações relacionadas à advocacia do paciente. Isso irá aprimorar suas habilidades e conhecimentos específicos nessa área. Também é importante conectar-se com outros defensores do paciente, participar de grupos ou associações profissionais e buscar mentores que possam orientá-lo em sua jornada. Lembre-se de que a defesa do paciente é um trabalho contínuo e que requer comprometimento, paixão e atualização constante.
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In my experience, my dad died when he was 59. We knew he had cancer for weeks before the doctors diagnosed it. We were never really told if the cancer took him or if it was his heart. They just said what they did for one area went against the other. That’s when I knew I wanted to go into the medical field in some aspect. I am so glad I did. My brother developed multiple myeloma when he was 50. I went to appointments with him and got questions answered. I took on Medicare when he needed more tests and won! I researched and ask questions when the doctors were vague. He survived until he was 64. My mother died 9 months later. I was able to help them understand what we didn’t know by being vigilant at digging for answers.
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In my own medical journey experiences, with 30+ orthopedic surgeries and full time rehab year round for 12 years I was able to do extensive medical research on my own orthopedic issues. Along with alternative medicine/modalities, I was able to over come and have 100% success in healing and eliminating pain generators from head to toe. Through these experiences, I wrote my own medical blog/website and I have mentored many patients across the USA and some international patients that identified with my writings. It has been a true pay it forward free gift to other suffering patients of my time and energy to help others. I also administer some Facebook medical support groups for a particular subject of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.
The next step is to learn the basics of patient advocacy, such as the principles, standards, and ethics of the profession, the types and roles of patient advocates, the legal and regulatory aspects of healthcare, and the common challenges and opportunities for patient advocates. You can find many online courses, webinars, books, podcasts, and blogs that can help you gain some foundational knowledge and insights into patient advocacy. You can also join some professional associations, such as the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA) or the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy (NAHAC), to access more resources and networking opportunities.
The best way to learn and develop your skills as a patient advocate is to gain some hands-on experience in the field. You can start by volunteering for a local or national organization that provides patient advocacy services, such as a hospital, a clinic, a nonprofit, or a support group. You can also look for internships, fellowships, or mentorship programs that can help you gain some exposure and guidance from experienced patient advocates. You can also offer your services to your friends, family, or community members who need some assistance with their healthcare needs.
If you want to advance your career and credibility as a patient advocate, you might want to pursue some formal education or certification in patient advocacy. There are several options available, depending on your goals, budget, and time. You can enroll in a certificate or degree program in patient advocacy, health advocacy, or health navigation from an accredited institution. You can also obtain a certification from a recognized organization, such as the Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) or the Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB). These options can help you enhance your knowledge, skills, and competencies as a patient advocate and demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the field.
The final step to becoming a patient advocate is to build your network and portfolio as a patient advocate. You can use your network to find job opportunities, referrals, collaborations, and support from other patient advocates and healthcare professionals. You can also use your portfolio to showcase your achievements, testimonials, and case studies as a patient advocate and attract potential clients or employers. You can use various platforms, such as social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters, to share your expertise, insights, and stories as a patient advocate and grow your audience and reputation.
Becoming a patient advocate is not an easy or quick process, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling one. By following these steps, you can transition from a non-medical career to patient advocacy and make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families.
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