As my time as the Dana-Farber Patient Advocacy intern draws to a close, I reflect on all I have learned. Although this conclusion is bittersweet, I am excited to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to each and every person who supported me throughout this internship. 

The Dana-Farber Patient Advocacy Internship is a dual internship involving two departments at Dana-Farber: Government Affairs and Volunteer Services and Patient Programs. I was involved in a variety of projects, from public policy advocacy to program management. Not only was I allowed the freedom and flexibility to explore my interests and tailor my learning, but I was also encouraged to be innovative and creative.

I had two incredible supervisors: Kate Warren Barnes, Director of Government Affairs and the Legislative Action Network (LAN), and Tori Baggio, Program Manager for the Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs). Both are tremendous teachers, mentors, advocates, and organizers. Under their guidance, I served as a bridge between the LAN and the PFAC to ensure that the voices of patients and families were central in efforts to advance the mission of Dana-Farber. 

Highlights of my work in Government Affairs include visiting Washington DC to advocate for increased funding for cancer research and advocating at the Massachusetts State House to advance legislation that would improve access to care for patients across the Commonwealth - especially those at Dana-Farber. Finally, in collaboration with the Dana-Farber employee resource group Mosaic, I helped lead a LAN Advocacy Rounds webinar. 

In my work with the PFACs, I was honored to facilitate group meetings, recruit new members, streamline administrative processes, and ultimately centered the unique and diverse patient and family perspective within Institute-wide initiatives. 

As I wrap up my time at Dana-Farber, the work of advocacy continues. If I have learned anything, it is that a good advocate always has an “ask”! So here are three asks for you:

1. If you or an advocate that you know are a graduate student completing a Master’s in Social Work, Public Health, Public Policy, or a related field of study, I strongly encourage you to apply for this internship. Just email a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to pfac@dfci.harvard.edu or advocacy@dfci.harvard.edu to express your interest.
2. Consider joining the Legislative Action Network by taking a few minutes to visit the LAN website, www.dana-farber.org/advocacy. You will find action alerts and all the tools you need to take meaningful action to advance the issues that matter the most to you. 
3. If you are a patient or family member and are interested in learning more about volunteering for the Adult or Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council, please email pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.