Workshop: Dietetic Students Explore Real-World Advocacy in Practice

On Thursday, May 22, 46 students in Dietetics Practice Education Placement II/III (FNH 481/HUNU 582A) participated in a powerful and thought-provoking workshop titled “Health Advocacy from the Patient, Family, Community Perspective.” This virtual session brought together 4th year and graduate dietetics students with patient and community partners to explore the real-world impact of health advocacy through a deeply personal lens.

The workshop was hosted by Dietetics instructors Melissa Baker-Wilson and Kara Vogt, in collaboration with the Patient & Community Partnership for Education (PCPE) team: Dr. Bill Godolphin (Co-Director), Cathy Kline (Assistant Director), and Mandy Young (Community Engagement Coordinator).

The session featured community and patient partners Sue MacDonald and Darren Lauscher as co-facilitators, adding firsthand perspectives to the dialogue. The learning format included a grounding in an advocacy framework, followed by small breakout group discussions, a collective share-back, and a live Q&A.

The content was anchored in the lived experience of Hudson, the 14-year-old son of Mandy Young, whose complex medical journey was shared as a case study. Hudson’s story helped students reflect on the role of advocacy in healthcare from multiple perspectives—professional, community, and personal.

Mandy shared an example of Hudson’s own advocacy who offers a small pin to providers that reads, “You are safe with me.” However, sometimes he chooses not to give it and instead says:

“I was planning to give you this pin today, but unfortunately you’re not ready yet. We can try next time.”

This honest and courageous gesture served as a call to action to build trust and create safety in every healthcare interaction that resonated with students. As one student said,

“The story of Hudson let’s us step into a patient’s perspective and hope to earn Hudson’s pin.”

The workshop will be delivered to physical therapy students in July and occupational therapy students in September. Two newly recruited Experts by Experience attended the workshop and we plan to work them to build new cases for future workshops. Stay tuned!