Since 2001, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Patient Partnerships has helped nearly 2,000 people negotiate insurance and employment issues, find second opinions and locate clinical trials, and move past the paralysis of a frightening diagnosis. The center operates on a simple principle: people facing life-threatening or serious chronic disease can't go it alone, but that doesn't mean they should turn over decision-making to doctors. The center also provides an "unparalleled clinical learning experience for students studying law, medicine, social work, pharmacy, public health, and nursing, who work as patient advocates." Advocates don't give orders, and patients are regarded as the captains of their health care team. At any given time the center is assisting 30-40 clients with long-term advocacy. It charges nothing for help and relies primarily on donations.
