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
An international research 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
CPP is hiring!
The Center for Patient Partnerships (CPP) seeks an Administrative Manager to lead our internal administrative operations and fiscal processes. CPP is an innovative interdisciplinary program housed in the Division of Extension. We do and teach …
January 5, 2023Our Collaborator LIFT WI is hiring!
LIFT Wisconsin is Expanding; Announces Opening for Executive Director, Legal Services Coordinator, and Marketing & Communications Director The Economic Justice Institute, Inc., seeks an Executive Director for its project, LIFT Wisconsin, a legal tech start-up …
December 9, 2022New Investments in Statewide Outreach
Recent investments are making it possible for us to ensure that Wisconsinites all around the state know about our health advocacy services and resources. In partnership with the LIFT Wisconsin, thanks to funding from …
December 9, 2022We’ve got News!
Our fall newsletter is jam packed with stories of hope and connection. We share student’s reflections on advocating, successes for clients, and updates from our action research team! Check it out!
November 18, 2022Resource for Patients and Policymakers on Clinical Trials Available
The Center for Patient Partnerships’ Action Research Team – Rachel, Emily, Madison, and Briana – have published a new module on HealthexperiencesUSA.org. In the Clinical Trials modules, patients, families, and policymakers can learn about peoples’ …
October 31, 2022- 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.