Patient-Centered Care and Health Advocacy Clinical
This educational opportunity enables students to participate in our advocacy clinical without pursuing a certificate.
Dates of Upcoming Semesters:
- Summer 2012 (May 21st- August 10th, 2012)
- Fall 2012 (TBD)
Our Curriculum
Participation in the Clinical can be through enrollment in our clinical course, Law, Med Sci, Nursing 789: Patient-Centered Care and Health Advocacy, a field placement or clerkship, or an internship.
Student Advocates and Center Staff
Students who complete our advocacy experience learn how consumers with serious and life-threatening health conditions experience the health care system. They also learn applied skills and technical knowledge for health care advocacy, how health care financing and delivery affects people’s lives, and how to work collaboratively and proactively across disciplines.
Students who have not taken Introduction to Patient Advocacy, begin with an orientation that introduces students to advocacy through blended learning (online and on-campus experiences).
Student patient advocates help clients and families negotiate insurance disputes, apply for financial assistance/charity care, tap existing and new support networks, find new or experimental treatments, learn to participate in their care team, protect employment rights, secure private and public disability benefits, and access appropriate medical care.
Weekly seminars create a venue for students to discuss cases and problem solve with colleagues. Practicing professionals visit the Center to discuss potential legal, financial, ethical and medical issues associated with public and private disability appeals, employment law, medical debt management, medical treatment research, end-of-life issues, and advocating for system change.