Explore our work
Education
Our programs combine patient advocacy, health systems, and experiential learning to boost marketable skills.
Advocacy
Graduate and professional students offer free advocacy services for patients navigating the health care system.
Action research
The Qualitative and Health Experiences Lab team shines a light on diverse patient experiences, using findings to promote patient-centered care.
Systems Change
Students learn how to navigate legal and policy systems, identifying issues where they can advocate for change at a broader level.
Our Mission
By amplifying diverse lived experiences and patient-generated ideas for change, the Center for Patient Partnerships transforms healthcare to prioritize the well-being of patients, families and communities.
Our interdisciplinary approach combines experiential education, action research, advocacy and systems change.
Our statement on racial justice
For two decades the Center for Patient Partnerships has prepared emerging leaders to take on complexity. Whether it’s in a classroom, in the community, or online, our approach grounds students in reflection, listening, and empathy that strengthens one of the key elements found in successful 20th-century leaders: Self-awareness.
Our students, who come from a wide range of disciplines, learn directly from clients as they navigate complicated challenges that emerge within health care, human services, benefits, legal, and insurance systems.
As we assist patients seeking safe, necessary health care options, we actively share patients’ stories with policymakers and people who design services to ensure that systems become more responsive to the lived experiences of people most affected by health, social, and economic problems.
News
CPPers Present at SMPH Diversity Summit
Student Madeline Koengeter and Director Sarah Davis presented with Nurse Navigators Katrina Becker and Callen Smith at the October 5th School of Medicine and Public Health Diversity Summit: Protecting and Advancing Trans Health. Their breakout …
October 16, 2023
We Are Hiring: LGBTQ+ Health Justice Coordinator
The Center for Patient Partnerships is thrilled to announce that we are hiring an LGBTQ+ Health Justice Coordinator. This new position will lead our LGBTQ+ service-learning education programming in which students help clients file insurance …
October 11, 2023
Jacklitz Becomes Disability Rights Wisconsin Executive Director
We are so happy for Jill and families in Wisconsin that our former Co-Director Jill Jacklitz has become the next Executive Director of Disability Rights Wisconsin. Shared in the press release: Jill’s personal experience as …
August 21, 2023Spring News!
So much happening at the Center for Patient Partnerships – check out our Spring newsletter!
June 6, 2023- Read more
“CPP has been the most personally impactful experience of my graduate program. Through the coursework, but especially through the connections I’ve made with clients and fellow advocates, I’ve gained important understanding of healthcare from an individual to systems level.
My time at CPP has laid the foundation for a future career grounded in patient narratives.”
Law, Medical Sciences and Nursing 768
All are welcome here.
The Center for Patient Partnerships and the University of Wisconsin-Madison
are located on unceded, ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk people.