Q&A with Center Health Equity Fellow

As her Health Equity Fellowship comes to a close, we’re proud to spotlight Dominique Seo, PhD candidate in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Over the past year, Dominique has brought deep expertise in pharmacoeconomics, with a focus on drug pricing, access, and health disparities, to the Center for Innovation & […]

Center Statement re: Trump’s Ultimatum on MFN

Statement from the Center for Innovation & Value Research on President Trump’s July 31 Ultimatum on Most Favored Nation The Center for Innovation & Value Research shares the public’s urgency in addressing the affordability of prescription drugs and healthcare in the United States. However, as momentum builds around aggressive policy proposals like the Most Favored […]

Redefining Value: Asia Williams on Building Trust and Advancing Through Community Engagement

Asia Williams, MPH, Program Officer at the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Consortium, leads the Trust & Engagement Action Collaborative, where she works to strengthen trust and elevate community voices in healthcare systems. With a background in public health, quality improvement, and patient engagement, she brings both personal and professional insight to the urgent need for meaningful community partnerships.

Centering Caregivers in Rare Disease: Elevating Their Role in Patient-Centered Research and Advocacy

Authors: Dominque Seo, MPH, Gloria Rodriguez, MPH, Michelle Cheng, MHS While any single rare condition affects a relatively small population, collectively, rare diseases impact over 30 million Americans, which represents significant health impacts for individuals and families.1 At the heart of many patients’ health journeys are caregivers, who take on substantial responsibilities. Caregivers offer crucial […]

A Journey Through Pain and Mistrust: One Patient’s Fight for Dignity and Care

Elizabeth L. Cope, PhD, MPH, sheds light on the profound physical and emotional toll of a misdiagnosed and misunderstood health journey. Her story highlights the urgent need for a healthcare system that offers treatment and compassionate support. Through years of navigating stigma and mistrust, Elizabeth emerges as a fierce advocate for systemic change, fighting for a healthcare system that truly sees and serves those in need.

Understanding HTA: Why Health Technology Assessment Matters for Patients

By Xanthia Lam, MPH (May 2025), Patient Engagement Intern at the Center The Center for Innovation & Value Research (Center) is a non-profit research organization whose mission is to advance the science, use, and practice of Patient-Centered Health Technology Assessment to support decisions that make healthcare more meaningful and equitable. However, as Health Technology Assessment […]

My Caregiver and Patient Journey: A Story of Complexities and Financial Burdens

Beth Gore, Executive Director of the Oley Foundation, shares the profound challenges she faces as a caregiver for her six adopted children, each with unique medical needs. Living in Tampa with her family, Beth’s journey highlights the emotional and financial strain that comes with managing complex health issues, especially for her son Manny. Despite her […]

Unseen Burdens: Financial Equity and Patient Advocacy in Healthcare

Gwen Darien is a three-time cancer survivor whose journey reflects resilience and advocacy. After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer, Gwen navigated significant physical, emotional, and economic challenges. Her experiences of lack of trust from healthcare providers and the high costs of care prompted a shift from the arts to health […]

The Hidden Costs of Rare Disease: My Journey as a Caregiver and Advocate

Ushma Patel, Director of Patient Engagement at the Center for Innovation & Value Research, shares her personal experience navigating the economic and emotional impacts of her daughter’s rare disease. She highlights the often-overlooked financial burdens families face beyond direct medical costs and discusses how the Center’s Patient-Centered Economic Impacts Project seeks to address these challenges […]

Interview with Mike Herman, Cancer Survivor

Mike Herman’s journey as a cancer survivor is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient care. His story sheds light on the medical, economic, and personal challenges faced by cancer patients and underscores the critical role of support systems and research in overcoming these challenges. Can you share […]