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Patient To Purpose

Patient To Purpose

By: Erica Bersin BCPA & Stefan Walzer Ph.D.
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Summary

 The phrase “From Patient to Purpose” or “Patient to Purpose” often describes a transformative journey where an individual’s experience with illness, injury, or a health crisis leads them to discover a new, meaningful mission or purpose in life. This concept is particularly relevant in healthcare and personal development, highlighting several key themes: Transformation through Adversity: A difficult or painful health experience becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a shift in life direction. Finding Meaning in Suffering: Individuals use their personal struggles to inform and drive a new mission, often focused on helping others facing similar challenges. Advocacy and Mission: The purpose frequently involves advocacy, research, coaching, or creating support systems for a specific patient population, effectively turning a personal crisis into a public mission. On from Patient to Purpose we will explore the idea is that a person’s health journey can be the source of their most impactful life work.Copyright 2026 MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy GmbH & ERO Health Communications Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Management Management & Leadership Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • In the U.S. Health Insurance Is A Privilege

    In the U.S. Health Insurance Is A Privilege
    May 6 2026

    In this episode Erica & Stefan break down the “mind-boggling” complexities of the U.S. health insurance system, where employer-sponsored plans often “handcuff” people to their jobs. We explore the frustrations of navigating “in-network” providers, the hurdles of prior authorization, and the common misconceptions regarding Medicare premiums and income. Drawing from her own experiences after 30 years of working in healthcare, 17 of those living with multiple sclerosis, and being a board-certified patient advocate, Erica emphasizes the importance of staying informed and using grassroots involvement to demand a system that works with patients, rather than just for them.

    Resources:

    Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy

    American Academy of Pediatrics

    American Medical Association

    Dr. Jessica Knurick

    Dr. Paul Offit

    Defend Public Health

    Your (or a nearby) state / city department of health and / or healthcare provider

    Learn more about our show and submit ideas

    #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions #MultipleSclerosis #MS #HealthInsurance #Patients
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    28 mins
  • Trust, Access & The Future of Patient Advocacy

    Trust, Access & The Future of Patient Advocacy
    Apr 22 2026

    In this episode Erica & Stefan talk to Lauren Walrath about the Japanese concept of Wa (和) in patient access and care. Wa focuses on group harmony over individual expression, maintaining smooth relationships, consensus-based decision-making, emphasis on social order, and mutual obligation.

    Learn more about our show and submit ideas

    #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions
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    48 mins
  • Herd Immunity and the Collective: Why Your Choice Matters

    Herd Immunity and the Collective: Why Your Choice Matters
    Apr 8 2026

    In this episode of Patient to Purpose, Erica & Stefan tackle the alarming resurgence of measles and the declining vaccination rates threatening public health in the U.S., UK, and beyond. We explore how healthcare is inherently political and why wealthy nations are beginning to lose our long-held “measles elimination” status. Beyond the political debate, we discuss the severe, life-altering impacts of the disease, from deafness to blindness, and why collective herd immunity remains our strongest defense.

    Post production edit: California, New York, and other states have joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN)

    Resources:

    American Academy of Pediatrics

    Pan American Health Organization

    American Medical Association

    World Health Organization

    European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control

    Learn more about our show and submit ideas

    #PatientToPurpose #PublicHealth #Measles #VaccinesCauseAdults #HealthPolicy #VaccineAwareness #GlobalHealth
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    41 mins
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