Patient To Purpose

Erica Bersin, BCPA & Stefan Walzer, Ph.D.

The phrase “From Patient to Purpose” or “Patient to Purpose” often describes a transformative journey where an individual’s experience with illness, injury, or a health crisis leads them to discover a new, meaningful mission or purpose in life. This concept is particularly relevant in healthcare and personal development, highlighting several key themes: Transformation through Adversity: A difficult or painful health experience becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a shift in life direction. Finding Meaning in Suffering: Individuals use their personal struggles to inform and drive a new mission, often focused on helping others facing similar challenges. Advocacy and Mission: The purpose frequently involves advocacy, research, coaching, or creating support systems for a specific patient population, effectively turning a personal crisis into a public mission. On from Patient to Purpose we will explore the idea is that a person’s health journey can be the source of their most impactful life work.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Living Proof: Telling Your Story to Make a Difference

    In this episode we speak with Tim Cage and John Capecci who have been partners for 20 years in Living Proof Advocacy. Tim & John unpack the emotional, psychological, and identity shifts involved in deciding to go public with a lived health experience, especially in the context of invisible illness and stigma. The discussion also highlights cultural differences in advocacy across countries, the importance of patient-centric approaches in healthcare and pharma, and how individual stories bring clinical data and outcomes to life. What’s your why? Six words to articulate why advocacy is for you. Resources: Living Proof Advocacy (Patient to Purpose listeners receive 10% off use code P2P10) Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher Learn more about our show and submit ideas #PatientToPurpose #LivingProofAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy #LivedExperience #StoryTellingForChange

    37 min

  2. MAY 6

    In the U.S. Health Insurance Is A Privilege

    In this episode Erica & Stefan break down the “mind-boggling” complexities of the U.S. health insurance system, where employer-sponsored plans often “handcuff” people to their jobs. We explore the frustrations of navigating “in-network” providers, the hurdles of prior authorization, and the common misconceptions regarding Medicare premiums and income. Drawing from her own experiences after 30 years of working in healthcare, 17 of those living with multiple sclerosis, and being a board-certified patient advocate, Erica emphasizes the importance of staying informed and using grassroots involvement to demand a system that works with patients, rather than just for them. Resources: Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy American Academy of Pediatrics American Medical Association Dr. Jessica Knurick Dr. Paul Offit Defend Public Health Your (or a nearby) state / city department of health and / or healthcare provider Learn more about our show and submit ideas #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions #MultipleSclerosis #MS #HealthInsurance #Patients

    28 min

  3. APR 22

    Trust, Access & The Future of Patient Advocacy

    In this episode Erica & Stefan talk to Lauren Walrath about the Japanese concept of Wa (和) in patient access and care. Wa focuses on group harmony over individual expression, maintaining smooth relationships, consensus-based decision-making, emphasis on social order, and mutual obligation. Learn more about our show and submit ideas #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions

    48 min

  4. APR 8

    Herd Immunity and the Collective: Why Your Choice Matters

    In this episode of Patient to Purpose, Erica & Stefan tackle the alarming resurgence of measles and the declining vaccination rates threatening public health in the U.S., UK, and beyond. We explore how healthcare is inherently political and why wealthy nations are beginning to lose our long-held “measles elimination” status. Beyond the political debate, we discuss the severe, life-altering impacts of the disease, from deafness to blindness, and why collective herd immunity remains our strongest defense. Post production edit: California, New York, and other states have joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network (GOARN) Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics Pan American Health Organization American Medical Association World Health Organization European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control Learn more about our show and submit ideas #PatientToPurpose #PublicHealth #Measles #VaccinesCauseAdults #HealthPolicy #VaccineAwareness #GlobalHealth

    41 min

  5. MAR 18

    Access, Equity, & Engagement: Designing Care Around Patients

    On this episode Erica & Stefan hear from access and engagement expert Keri McDonough, MA to unpack what “access” really means beyond cost. Drawing on powerful patient stories and more than 20 years of experience, Keri explores the hidden barriers to clinical trials, the importance of peer connection, and why embedding patient insights across the healthcare lifecycle is essential. The conversation highlights how sustained relationships, better communication, and truly patient-centered design can transform healthcare from the inside out. Resources: Equitable Access to Clinical Trials Project National Health Council: Capturing & Including the Patient Voice Multi-Regional Clinical Trials Center Health Literacy in Clinical Research Glossary Patient Focused Medicines Development Society for Public Health Information-Health Literacy Learn more about our show and to submit ideas #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions

    38 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    The Quest for Treatment: Facing the Guard Dogs of MS Care

    In our premiere episode, hosts Stefan Walzer, Ph.D. and Erica Bersin, BCPA dive into the frustrating, confusing, and often invisible barriers patients face when trying to access the treatments they need. Erica shares her personal journey with multiple sclerosis, from being diagnosed in Switzerland to managing care in the U.S. system, and reveals how drastically access can differ depending on where you live. National MS Society (U.S.) MS Views & News (U.S.) European Multiple Sclerosis Program (Europe) Learn more about our show and submit ideas #PatientEngagement #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalAdvocacy #Pharma #HealthcareInnovation #HealthcareDecisions

    41 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The phrase “From Patient to Purpose” or “Patient to Purpose” often describes a transformative journey where an individual’s experience with illness, injury, or a health crisis leads them to discover a new, meaningful mission or purpose in life. This concept is particularly relevant in healthcare and personal development, highlighting several key themes: Transformation through Adversity: A difficult or painful health experience becomes a catalyst for personal growth and a shift in life direction. Finding Meaning in Suffering: Individuals use their personal struggles to inform and drive a new mission, often focused on helping others facing similar challenges. Advocacy and Mission: The purpose frequently involves advocacy, research, coaching, or creating support systems for a specific patient population, effectively turning a personal crisis into a public mission. On from Patient to Purpose we will explore the idea is that a person’s health journey can be the source of their most impactful life work.

Information

  • Creator
    Erica Bersin, BCPA & Stefan Walzer, Ph.D.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 MArS Market Access & Pricing Strategy GmbH & ERO Health Communications
  • Show Website
    Patient To Purpose