The Patient Voice Alliance
Amplifying Patient Perspectives in Cancer Innovation
Because patients have something to say…
About the Patient Voice Alliance
The Patient Voice Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that patient experiences and perspectives shape the future of cancer care.
We believe that those living with cancer possess invaluable insights that must inform research, clinical development, and education. By amplifying patient voices, we create a bridge between patients and the pharmaceutical, biotech, and nonprofit organizations working to advance cancer treatment and support.
Our mission is to make cancer care more patient-centered and effective by integrating patient perspectives into every stage of innovation.
We collaborate with industry partners to ensure that treatment goals, quality of life considerations, and the daily challenges faced by patients are at the heart of cancer research and development. Through our work, we transform patient experiences into actionable insights that drive meaningful progress in oncology.
Our work is grounded in three core principles:
- Listen intentionally – We create meaningful opportunities for patients and caregivers to share their lived experiences.
- Translate insights into action – We convert patient perspectives into practical recommendations that inform research, education, and product strategy.
- Partner for lasting impact – We collaborate with life sciences organizations to embed patient-centered thinking throughout the product lifecycle, creating solutions that improve both healthcare innovation and the patient experience.
Meet our Co-Founders
Stephanie Chisolm, PhD, MEd, is a nationally recognized patient advocacy and health education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing patient-centered care across oncology, rare disease, and urology. As a director of education and advocacy at numerous national patient advocacy organizations, she has worked with healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic leaders to develop initiatives focused on health literacy, patient engagement, clinical trial input, and inclusive education strategies. Dr. Chisolm is passionate about elevating the patient voice in healthcare decision-making and improving patient outcomes through meaningful collaboration, education, and communication.
Andrea Maddox-Smith is a strategic healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience advancing patient advocacy, pharmaceutical collaboration, nonprofit growth, and healthcare innovation. She is a trusted advisor to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies, providing expertise in patient engagement, advocacy partnerships, commercialization, and corporate strategy. As the former chief executive officer of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN), she led the nation’s premier bladder cancer organization through a period of significant growth while strengthening partnerships with industry, government, academic medicine, and the global advocacy community.
Our Services
Patient Perspective Integration
The Patient Voice Alliance (PVA) facilitates collaboration between cancer patients and pharmaceutical, biotech, and nonprofit partners to ensure patient experiences—including treatment goals, quality of life, and daily challenges—directly inform research and clinical development strategies.
What makes PVA different?
The Patient Voice Alliance (PVA) is not a recruiting agency, a contract research organization, or a traditional advocacy group. We are strategic advisors who help organizations make better decisions by integrating authentic patient perspectives into every stage of innovation.
Together, these services position PVA as a trusted partner that helps ensure cancer innovation is guided by scientific excellence and the voices of the people it is designed to serve.
Cancer Innovation Consulting
Our team provides expert guidance to organizations seeking to incorporate patient-centered approaches into their cancer research, product development, and clinical programs, ensuring alignment with real-world patient needs.
Patient Insight Research
We conduct qualitative research designed specifically to understand patient experiences beyond traditional market research.
Medical Affairs & Scientific Engagement
We help medical affairs teams incorporate authentic patient perspectives into scientific communications and educational initiatives.
Patient Advisory Boards
We design and facilitate meaningful engagements between patients and industry teams, ensuring patient feedback informs key business and clinical decisions.
Clinical Trial Patient Engagement
Patients can identify unnecessary burdens that may limit participation in clinical research. We work with development teams to create trials that are more patient-centered while preserving scientific rigor.
Patient Education and Advocacy Programs
We develop and deliver educational initiatives and advocacy programs that empower patients, amplify their voices in the cancer care ecosystem, and promote awareness of patient-centered innovation in oncology.
Patient-Centered Communications
Health information should be understandable, actionable, and relevant. We develop and review educational materials that improve comprehension while maintaining scientific accuracy.
Patient Experience Strategy
We help organizations understand what matters most to patients and translate those insights into actionable strategies that improve clinical development, patient education, and the overall treatment experience. By incorporating lived experiences into decision-making, we help clients design products and programs that are more relevant, accessible, and effective.
Patient Support Program Design
Patients often struggle with challenges beyond treatment itself. We help organizations design support services that address real-world barriers throughout the treatment journey.