Cancer Patient & Family Advisors
The partnership between patient advisors and the Cancer Center staff is based on an understanding that everyone's role is important; that what we do together is greater than what any of us can do separately.
Our mission is:
To assure the delivery of the highest standard of patient-family centered care in the adult cancer
areas of the University of Michigan Health System and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center through
an effective partnership of patients, families, healthcare providers and the community.
Cancer Patient & Family Advisory Board:
In order to best achieve the goals of the board, our members serve between 2-3 years, so that there will always be some experienced board members who can help new members get oriented. Therefore, we are always ready to accept new applications for membership. However, we annually review the applications in May.
Advisors:
Patients and their family members have an essential role in guiding the work we do at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and throughout the University of Michigan Health System. Through a partnership with Cancer Center faculty, staff and patient advisory board members will promote excellence in cancer and family centered care.Would I be a good advisor?:
Are you able to communicate and work with families and staff whose backgrounds, experiences and styles may be different from yours?
Do you listen well?
Do you have a positive approach and an ability to share and see many different points of view?
Are you enthusiastic about the Cancer Center's mission of excellence in patient care, education and research?
Do you have an ability to share both positive and negative experiences in a constructive way?
Do you have time to be an active participant in meetings and other board activities (some committee work such as reviewing materials will allow participation from home)?
If you've answered yes to the questions above, then please join us! Help us create the ideal environment for the best cancer care possible.
Are you able to communicate and work with families and staff whose backgrounds, experiences and styles may be different from yours?
Do you listen well?
Do you have a positive approach and an ability to share and see many different points of view?
Are you enthusiastic about the Cancer Center's mission of excellence in patient care, education and research?
Do you have an ability to share both positive and negative experiences in a constructive way?
Do you have time to be an active participant in meetings and other board activities (some committee work such as reviewing materials will allow participation from home)?
If you've answered yes to the questions above, then please join us! Help us create the ideal environment for the best cancer care possible.
Who is a successful advisor / board member?
The University of Michigan Health System and Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cancer Patient & Family Advisory Board and its committees are comprised of members who:- Have recent experience within the adult cancer areas of the University of Michigan Health System
- Provide input fairly and objectively
- Communicate effectively
- Offer a patient or family point of view
- Register as a UMHS volunteer
- Register as a Cancer Center volunteer
- Work in partnership with others
- Have basic technical skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and use of internet)
Members may also need to:
More Information
If you have questions or comments about the Patient & Family Advisory Board, OR if you think it's right for you, please contact Karen Hammelef, director of Patient & Family Support Services, at Cancer-Support-Services@med.umich.edu.Patient & Family Advisory Board Members
Patient & Family Advisory Board Documents and Forms
Contact Us [use our online form]
the following open as pdf documents:
Member Application
Advisory / Consultant Request Form
Membership Profile
Membership By-Laws
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