Centering the Lived Experiences of Patients

What if health care decisions were guided not just by data or policy—but by the lived experiences of patients themselves? In this thought-provoking episode, our host, Ashley D. Freeman sits down with Susan Perez, a trailblazer in patient-centered research and health policy. With years of experience amplifying the voices of those receiving care, Susan shares how she's working to shift the health care system to truly reflect what patients need—financially, emotionally, and socially.

From candid conversations about the cost of care to building actionable solutions when patients face barriers, Susan highlights why it’s critical to engage patients as equal partners in shaping the future of health. She also discusses the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholder voices—from providers and payers to community organizations—to create more responsive, compassionate, and effective systems of care.

If you’re ready to rethink how we design health care from the ground up—with patients at the very center—this episode is for you.