In this episode of Patient to Purpose, Erica & Stefan dive into the vaccine debate, misinformation, and the tension between science, politics, and public opinion. From the history of immunization to the lessons of COVID-19, they unpack why public health works best when it’s trusted, and what happens when evidence gets drowned out by emotion, algorithms, and ideology. A candid conversation about prevention, access to care, and the collective responsibility behind better health outcomes.

Resources:

Smallpox vaccine U.S.

History of mRNA

About the 1918 flu

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#PatientToPurpose #HealthPolicy #TrustScience #VaccinesWork #HealthcareForAll

In this episode we speak with Tim Cage and John Capecci who have been partners for 20 years in Living Proof Advocacy. Tim & John unpack the emotional, psychological, and identity shifts involved in deciding to go public with a lived health experience, especially in the context of invisible illness and stigma. The discussion also highlights cultural differences in advocacy across countries, the importance of patient-centric approaches in healthcare and pharma, and how individual stories bring clinical data and outcomes to life.

What’s your why? Six words to articulate why advocacy is for you.

Resources:

Living Proof Advocacy (Patient to Purpose listeners receive 10% off use code P2P10)

Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher

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#PatientToPurpose #LivingProofAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy #LivedExperience #StoryTellingForChange

In this episode Erica & Stefan break down the “mind-boggling” complexities of the U.S. health insurance system, where employer-sponsored plans often “handcuff” people to their jobs. We explore the frustrations of navigating “in-network” providers, the hurdles of prior authorization, and the common misconceptions regarding Medicare premiums and income. Drawing from her own experiences after 30 years of working in healthcare, 17 of those living with multiple sclerosis, and being a board-certified patient advocate, Erica emphasizes the importance of staying informed and using grassroots involvement to demand a system that works with patients, rather than just for them.

Resources:

Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Medical Association

Dr. Jessica Knurick

Dr. Paul Offit

Defend Public Health

Your (or a nearby) state / city department of health and / or healthcare provider

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#PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions #MultipleSclerosis #MS #HealthInsurance #Patients

In this episode Erica & Stefan talk to Lauren Walrath about the Japanese concept of Wa (和) in patient access and care. Wa focuses on group harmony over individual expression, maintaining smooth relationships, consensus-based decision-making, emphasis on social order, and mutual obligation.

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#PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions

In this episode of Patient to Purpose, Erica & Stefan tackle the alarming resurgence of measles and the declining vaccination rates threatening public health in the U.S., UK, and beyond. We explore how healthcare is inherently political and why wealthy nations are beginning to lose our long-held “measles elimination” status. Beyond the political debate, we discuss the severe, life-altering impacts of the disease, from deafness to blindness, and why collective herd immunity remains our strongest defense.

Post production edit: California, New York, and other states have joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN)

Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics

Pan American Health Organization

American Medical Association

World Health Organization

European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control

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#PatientToPurpose #PublicHealth #Measles #VaccinesCauseAdults #HealthPolicy #VaccineAwareness #GlobalHealth

On this episode Erica & Stefan hear from access and engagement expert Keri McDonough, MA to unpack what “access” really means beyond cost. Drawing on powerful patient stories and more than 20 years of experience, Keri explores the hidden barriers to clinical trials, the importance of peer connection, and why embedding patient insights across the healthcare lifecycle is essential. The conversation highlights how sustained relationships, better communication, and truly patient-centered design can transform healthcare from the inside out.

Resources:

Equitable Access to Clinical Trials Project

National Health Council: Capturing & Including the Patient Voice

Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center Health Literacy in Clinical Research Glossary

Patient Focused Medicines Development

Society for Public Health Information-Health Literacy

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#PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions

In our premiere episode, hosts Stefan Walzer, Ph.D. and Erica Bersin, BCPA dive into the frustrating, confusing, and often invisible barriers patients face when trying to access the treatments they need. Erica shares her personal journey with multiple sclerosis, from being diagnosed in Switzerland to managing care in the U.S. system, and reveals how drastically access can differ depending on where you live.

National MS Society (U.S.)

MS Views & News (U.S.)

European Multiple Sclerosis Program (Europe)

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#PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions