After 14 months, it is succesfully completed to be become a certified EUPATI of The Netherlands for European Patient Academy for Therapeutic Innovation.
We first started with an intensive foundation of biology and medicine. Underlying disease mechanisms, Incidence and prevalence are also highlighted in this to then move to drug development.
As a patient advocate, I believe this basic knowledge is important. After all, speaking the same language with researchers and practitioners seems to me to be nothing more than essential if you want to achieve effective medication together. The journey for drug development continues. The mechanism of action and life cycle of pharmaceuticals is important for plotting the path to the dot on the horizon.
This is why there are intermediate stations before you reach this end point.
You learn the basic concepts and requirements of galenic formulations, timing and predictive value of non-clinical studies and the pharmacological side, laws and regulations and ECTR.
Also, what is fascinating and fits exactly into the conversations I have with researchers and practitioners are the topics about a study design with their processes and critical success factors. So we have enriched our knowledge with pharmacogenetics, types and phases of research studies, bioequivalence, biomarkers and so on.
The basics of statistics, sample size, the calculations and principles were fortunately a piece of ‘recap’ from my studies in business economics. A moment when I could catch my breath.
We concluded the last period with a piece on communication skills such as the Rose of Leary and topics related to Health Technology Assessment for responsible decision-making and the health insurance system in the Netherlands.
I am grateful for this enrichment for our foundation and the lasting relationships that have been formed since this period.
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