3rd Annual Patient Advocacy Symposium: Raising the Bar for Healthcare Safety

Patient Advocacy Symposium Canceled

We had scheduled this symposium at a time when people obviously have many obligations, and the registration numbers have indicated this was not an ideal time to hold the event. Therefore, regrettably, we have made the decision to cancel this year's Patient Advocacy Symposium.

If you already paid the registration or sponsorship fee, your money is refunded in full and the amount will be charged back to your credit card. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Keeping the Patient at the Center

Attendees will hear from experts across the field who have helped – or been helped – by a private patient advocate. Join us as we challenge industry leaders and standards alike to keep the patient at the center of the U.S. healthcare system.

  • All qualifying professionals will receive 6 CEU credits.
  • Breakfast and lunch are provided. 
  • Registration fees:
    • July 16 - Aug. 1: $85
    • Aug. 2-11: $100
    • Student/Senior Discount: $30

Keynote Speaker: Dr. William Rhoades

Patient Advocacy and Navigating the "New" Healthcare System

Dr. Rhoades is a geriatrician in practice at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. His practice is limited to patients over 65 years of age and he has special expertise in dementia, gait disorders, and end of life care. Dr. Rhoades's keynote address will discuss modern elements of patient care in the health care system as it relates to fractionated care, multiple doctors and others (NPs, Pas, etc) providing care, and the electronic health record. It will also discuss patient safety and population health.

Distinguished Speakers

Attendees will experience a fabulous, inspiring and educational event with well-known local and national healthcare and legal experts who can give them the real story about patient rights; how to navigate the costs associated with long term care expenses and how to best advocate for loved ones in a changing healthcare landscape.

Panel Discussion: Expert Opinions on Patient Experience

Andrea Weber

Andrea's podcast, Club Sandwiched, was created to help others responsible for taking care of two generations of people. Episodes touch on subjects like caregiving, finances, and doctors – and everything in between.

Jacqueline Boyd

Jacqueline Boyd brings passion and expertise to the field of aging and LGBTQ+ advocacy.  A dynamic speaker, facilitator and entrepreneur, Jacqueline is the owner of The Care Plan, the country's first LGBTQ+ centered care management company.

Sarah Valek RN, MSN, MBA

Sarah Valek is a dedicated RN with 18 years experience in cardiology, pediatrics and healthcare management. She coordinates care with insurance companies for approvals, and advocate for patients and families who were medically complex and at times socially fragile.

Denise Brown

Denise M. Brown launched CareGiving.com in 1996, the first website to add online caregiving support groups, daily caregiving chats and blogs written by family caregivers. Through its blogs posts, podcasts and video chats, CareGiving.com holds one of the largest online libraries of caregiving stories.

Transportation

The symposium will take place in Ratio Hall of the Wentz Science Center, located at 131 S. Loomis Street, Naperville, IL 60540. Free parking is available. North Central College's campus is also accessible from public transportation through the Metra train.

Hotel Partners

North Central College has an agreement with Naperville hotels to offer discounted rates to all friends and family of the school. Whether you are visiting, attending a sporting event, or seeing a play, one of our partner hotels can accommodate you.

Sponsorship

We trust that through your agreement to sponsor or to exhibit at this event, your company will become more well known in your support of patient and family healthcare safety. 

View the Sponsor Media Kit (PDF) for details on sponsorship levels. 

Thank you to our Sponsors!