Center for Patient Partnerships

Research, Education, Advocacy. Justice.
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. Our advocates are here to help.
Our students learn tools to change systems and people's lives
We're researching people's experiences to transform healthcare for the better-and for all.

Explore our Transformational Work

An arial view of the Capitol Building and surrounding campus buildings

Research & Systems Change

Our research and advocacy efforts are designed for lasting systems change. We are working hard to find solutions.

Systems Change

Several students and Sarah Davis gathered around a table in a discussion group

Education

Our programs combine patient advocacy, in depth knowledge of how health systems operate, and experiential learning to prepare tomorrow’s health justice leaders.

Education

Two individuals having a deep conversation

Advocacy

Students offer free advocacy and navigation services for patients entangled in healthcare and insurance systems – because no one should have to go it alone.

Advocacy & Navigation

A quote bubble reading "From the very first conversation, the advocates we've worked with have taken the time to understand how Norah's illness is affecting all aspects of life and to provide personalized guidance with exceptional compassion. Their encouragement gave us the hope that things could get better and the strength to keep going."

Our Mission:  To create a more just, people-centered healthcare system that works for ALL patients and providers.

We seek justice in three important ways:

  1. Our advocates work closely with patients to help them navigate their own care.
  2. Our researchers study and support the patient experience.
  3. Our educators give University of Wisconsin students the tools to change systems—and people’s lives.

Our Vision: We deserve a healthcare system everyone can access, understand, and afford.

Our Approach: We train health advocates, conduct research, and guide patients to make healthcare better for all.

News

  • Students celebrating an advocacy win

    Summer News!

      We’ve been busy this summer – winning insurance appeals for clients, spreading compassion, being honored for our work, and ensuring that Wisonsinites in every corner of our state know we are here to help! …

    August 23, 2024

  • Rural Outreach Through County Courthouses and Libraries

    With funding from WisTAF, and in partnership with LIFT WI, the Center for Patient Partnerships put together a packet of information to be sent out to rural parts of Wisconsin. The packet consisted of three …

    June 30, 2024

  • Partner LIFT WI Launches Debt Reduction Tool

    LIFT (Legal Interventions for Transforming) Wisconsin, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice for low-income Wisconsin residents by removing legal barriers, announces the newest addition to its Legal Tune Up Tool  (legaltuneup.org).  The …

    June 14, 2024
  • Read more

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UW Graduates in caps and gowns from behind.“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.”

2020 Graduate Student
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.