In this hard-hitting Pep talk we hear first hand what it’s like to endure a decade where healthcare systems fail to take your life threatening symptoms seriously.

• John Nelson suffered with mental illness for over a decade, trying numerous medications and treatments without success, until he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery that has put him into complete remission.
• He is passionate about "pulverising the stigma" around mental illness, advocating for greater societal acceptance and earlier treatment-seeking by those suffering.
• He emphasises the critical importance of patient engagement and incorporating the patient voice from the very beginning of medical research and device development, particularly in the mental health space.
• He calls on healthcare professionals and companies to approach mental health with the same empathy and commitment as other medical conditions, in order to drive innovation and improve outcomes for those suffering.

Emma hosts a PEP Talks session with Dr. Roz, a renowned figure in patient engagement, discussing her journey and insights in the field. Dr. Roz, a pulmonologist with a rich background in clinical practice and academia, shares her experiences from her tenure at Pfizer and BioMarin, highlighting the importance of patient engagement in the biopharmaceutical industry.

She emphasises the need for listening to patients and involving them in the product lifecycle to prioritise patient-relevant outcomes. Dr. Roz reflects on the challenges and successes in establishing patient engagement teams, advocating for a culture of respect and trust towards patients as lived experience experts.

She discusses the complexities of engaging patients early in the development process and the perceived legal barriers, stressing the importance of transparent communication. Now consulting, Dr. Roz continues to contribute to the field, drawing inspiration from her family and the patient engagement community.

Lisa Peterman, Chief Patient Experience Officer at Roche Canada, shares her journey and insights in a PEP Talks podcast. Her role, co-created with Roche's patient co-creation council, marks a bold step in patient engagement, emphasising collaboration and precision engagement. Lisa's diverse background, including a PhD in medical history, informs her approach to amplifying patient voices. She discusses the evolution of patient-centered care, highlighting milestones like the IOM report and the rise of patient advocacy. Lisa advocates for professionalisation and precision in patient engagement, aiming to integrate patient voices in healthcare decision-making. Her story underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in transforming patient experiences.