Empowering patient voices in oncology: The role of patient advocacy in medical education and research collaboration.

Abstract

e21023 Background: Integrating patient advocacy into medical education and research fosters a collaborative approach to addressing gaps in oncology care and improving the patient experience. An accredited medical education provider and patient advocacy organization developed a multi-day program for early career lung cancer scientists, integrating patients, caregivers, and oncology experts as faculty in the educational design. This initiative, now in its seventh year, has amplified the lived experiences of patients and caregivers to enrich educational programs and propel research in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly among EGFR-positive populations. Methods: The EGFR Research Summit, created through a partnership between Creative Educational Concepts (CEC) and the EGFR Resisters, highlights the impact of patient advocates as educators, consultants, and collaborators in ongoing scientific research. The EGFR Resisters, a global community of over 6,000 members, have actively contributed as panelists, presenters, and liaisons in clinical and scientific forums. The EGFR Research Summit brings members of this organization together with young scientists and key opinion leaders in oncology to collectively advance the field of oncology research and innovation. The framework of this yearly event includes interactive research presentations, mentoring workshops, plenary sessions, small-group breakouts, and awards for the best scientific research. Results: To date, the EGFR Research Summit has educated 84 young scientists from across the globe. Patient advocates have demonstrated measurable impacts, including enhanced educational outcomes for participants, increased awareness of patient-centered care, and accelerated research collaborations. Surveys among EGFR Resisters members reveal that these programs improve patient empowerment, provide hope, and enable proactive health management. Testimonials from researchers further underscore the value of these partnerships in sparking increased curiosity and fostering meaningful scientific advancements. Conclusions: Including patient advocates in medical education and research initiatives transforms the paradigm of oncology care. By amplifying patient voices, this model not only addresses unmet needs in NSCLC but also promotes a culture of shared learning and innovation. Future efforts should focus on scaling such collaborations to other therapeutic areas and expanding the reach of patient-driven education.