On 31 March and 1 April in Munich, the European Hematology Association (EHA) hosted a two-day training programme. The programme, delivered by the European Patient Advocacy Institute (EPAI), aims at equipping emerging patient advocates in the field of non-malignant and malignant haematological diseases with the foundational skills and knowledge required for professional advocacy.
For many, the journey into advocacy begins with a personal experience—navigating the complex healthcare system as a patient or caregiver. However, impactful and sustained advocacy extends beyond personal experience. It demands a combination of scientific understanding, professional conduct and strategic action. This is the transformation the programme seeks to facilitate: enabling new advocates to channel personal motivation into structured, professional impact.
The initiative builds on EHA’s and EPAI’s previous Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Training programme for patient advocates and reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the patient advocacy landscape through education and shared vision. The trainees were nominated by the 17 pan-European patient organisations which are members of EHA’s Patient Advocacy Committee.
Participants described the training as an important step in their advocacy journey, with one attendee remarking:
“Thank you, Lis, Jan & Ananda (trainers), and everyone else for the exceptional two days in Munich, this was a wonderful experience, education and meeting new friends, beginning of a new journey for me as a patient advocate as well.”
Through such collaborations, EPAI remains committed to supporting a growing community of professional patient advocates and ensuring their contributions are recognised, respected and equipped to shape future healthcare systems.