Patient advocate and engagement consultant Trishna Bharadia joins Caitlin and Clarinda to explore how advocacy can be supercharged by tapping into diverse channels, from niche community networks to public mass-media platforms that reach millions. 

Trishna works with multiple stakeholders to embed the patient voice into medicines development and healthcare. She's a visiting lecturer on patient engagement at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research at King's College London and Co-Chair of the Working with Patients and Communities Forum at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM).

Trishna is also a patron and ambassador for several health and disability-related organisations, including the International Society of Medical Publications Professionals (ISMPP) and the Patient Information Forum. Her many awards include a Points of Light from the UK Prime Minister office for her work with patient communities and a Pharma Voice 100 honour for outstanding contributions to the life sciences. 

On this episode, Trishna shares fascinating stories of her multifaceted advocacy, from Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars to radio, journals, social media, and getting her parents involved. She also offers excellent advice for getting started in advocacy, navigating criticism, and owning your story.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introductions
• 00:01:46 - Trishna's journey into advocacy
• 00:08:02 - Importance of raising awareness
• 00:13:43 - Exploring different advocacy channels
• 00:21:05 - Strictly Come Dancing experience
• 00:30:05 - Normalising disability/chronic illness in mass media
• 00:33:36 - Caregiver/family involvement in advocacy
• 00:38:59 - Countering cultural and societal stigma
• 00:43:42 - Advice for other patient advocates
• 00:51:10 - Reflections with Caitlin and Clarinda

Resources and Abbreviations

• MS - multiple sclerosis
• MS Society
• Asian MS
• MS Society Stop MS Appeal
• ISPEP -International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals
• Patient Information Forum (PIF)
• NMO - neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

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