Wednesday, October 24, Pieter graduated from his Patient Expert course. The last four days of this course took place in Madrid, where about eighty-five students from around the world gathered to complete the course and receive their diploma.
The course is organized by Eupati (European Patients Academy on Therapeutic Innovation). Within the European Union (EMA), there is a strong drive to get patients more involved and have their voices heard in the drug development process, as they are the end users of the product. To best do this, it was recognized that patients need a good understanding of the drug development process, which is why Eupati was established.
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Because it is important for our work at the foundation to have a good overview of the treatment development process for our patients, Pieter enrolled in this course. It is a blended course where participants take six online modules (a total of twenty-seven courses) and participate in two face-to-face events (one virtual and one in person). This has provided him with valuable knowledge and insights.
Next year, Annet Linders, Annette Klinkert, Luuk Kerckheart and Corné van Dam have also enrolled in the course, so that the foundation has broad knowledge of the entire process.
For Pieter, this has been a more than valuable investment of time and effort. It has also helped him get in touch with specialists who can advise us in our journey to treatment. Our team’s commitment to this course allows us to build an even better bridge between the medical and scientific communities and our supporters (carriers and loved ones).