Here's how you can highlight your transferable skills when moving into patient advocacy.

Begin by conducting a self-assessment to identify the skills you've developed in previous roles that are relevant to patient advocacy. Skills like communication, problem-solving, and empathy are often at the heart of many professions and are crucial in advocating for patients. Emphasize your ability to listen actively and explain complex information in a way that’s easy to understand, which is essential when working with patients and healthcare providers. Your problem-solving skills highlight your capacity to navigate challenges and find solutions, a daily necessity in patient advocacy.

In my journey as a lupus patient, and then advocate I've had to continue to revisit my "why". I'll add this under #1, "Identify skills"; What is the motivating drive as you shift to patient advocacy? Motivation is critical because you will encounter burnout, bureaucracy, and stumbling blocks along the way. But after all is said, a person, who happens to be a patient is the center.

In my journey as a clinician and founder, I've learned that empathy and continuous learning are crucial in patient advocacy. By truly understanding a patient's perspective and staying updated with the latest healthcare innovations, we can tailor our approach to meet their unique needs. This personal touch has been instrumental in building strong relationships and advocating effectively for our patients.

When tailoring your resume for patient advocacy, focus on how your past experiences align with this role. If you have a background in customer service, highlight your skills in handling complaints and resolving conflicts. These abilities are directly applicable to managing patient concerns and mediating between patients and healthcare providers. Use specific examples and strong action verbs to showcase how you’ve successfully applied these skills in previous roles. By clearly demonstrating how your experience can benefit patient advocacy, you show your readiness to support and advocate for patients with care and compassion.

Empathy is at the heart of patient advocacy. Your ability to understand and connect with the emotions of others is a powerful asset. If you’ve worked in roles requiring emotional intelligence, such as teaching or counseling, highlight this in your application. Share how your experience in offering support and understanding can be crucial in advocating for patients who are facing challenging times. Your empathetic approach can make a significant difference in ensuring that patients feel heard, supported, and that their needs are championed with care and compassion.

Empathy has been a guiding principle in my career, especially when introducing patients to new technologies like 3D-printed dental models. It's about more than just explaining the benefits; it's about connecting on a human level, understanding their fears and hopes. This emotional intelligence is what makes patient advocacy so powerful - it's the bridge between innovation and compassionate care.

Building relationships is at the core of patient advocacy. If your previous work involved networking, collaboration, or leading teams, these experiences are highly relevant. Reflect on how you’ve nurtured relationships with stakeholders or guided teams toward shared objectives. In patient advocacy, these skills are vital in liaising with healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and other entities to secure the best outcomes for patients. The ability to build trust and foster cooperation ensures that patients receive the care and support they need, creating a more compassionate and effective healthcare experience.

A commitment to continuous learning is essential for true patient advocacy. Understanding patient rights, staying updated on healthcare policies, and refining support strategies are key components. This dedication to learning goes beyond keeping up with changes; it ensures advocacy efforts are thoughtful, informed, and genuinely in the best interest of patients. By deepening knowledge in these areas, there is a greater ability to stand alongside patients, protect their rights, and help them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, all while adapting to their evolving needs.

In my journey as a founder , I've learned that continuous learning is key in patient advocacy. Whether it's keeping up with the latest in 3D printing technology or understanding the nuances of patient care, staying informed and educated has allowed me to better advocate for my patients' needs. It's important to always be curious and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge in this ever-evolving field.