Guess what?
Patients spotted at the Australian Rheumatology Association’s (ARA) Annual Scientific Meeting.
We’ve always had patient association groups represented among delegates, but this year in Darwin, there were patients on stage discussing their patient journey and advocating for fellow patients.
I had the good fortune to finally meet Suzie Edward May in person. She in the author of Arthritis, Pregnancy and the Path to Parenthood.
There were patients who came to cover the event for other patients such as Naomi Creek (from CreakyJoints Australia) and Seth Ginsberg from CreakyJoints.
There were talks by rheumatologists on patient advocacy.
A clear change.
And I think there was a general acceptance that this is an important step with well-attended sessions and good feedback.
Here’s hoping it leads to more meaningful conversations between doctor and patient, shared goals and better outcomes.