Upon receiving less than adequate health care that resulted in life threatening experiences, Patty has developed a passion for the patient/provider partnership and the voice of the patient.  She has used these experiences to help her in her role as the Program Coordinator for Patient –and Family-Centered Care, Coordinator of the Patient Advisory Council and shadow coach for healthcare providers for PeaceHealth Medical Group.
 
She has served on the clinical council, quality committee and the patient safety council for Sacred Heart Hospital.  Additionally, Patty is a faculty member for the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, a member of national organizations involved with patient engagement and a member of the Oregon State Task Force for developing standards for patient-centered primary care medical homes as well as patient-centered behavioral health medical homes.  
 
Patty has served as a technical assistant for Aligning Forces for Quality, a Robert Wood Johnson foundation program, and as an IHI national patient advocate. She helped develop a county-wide project that trained and supported pastoral care-teams to provide both assessment and support for individuals and families confronting life crises.
 
Currently, Patty is partnering with the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems on a patient and family engagement collaborative.