Patient Expert Scholarship Recipients

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Patient Scholarship Recipients: 2025 Cohort

The Patient Expert Scholarship offered by GlobalSkin empowers patient leaders through education and support. We are proud to financially support the learning journeys of 15 patient leaders from 12 countries and 9 distinct disease areas. The 15 patient leaders will participate in the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme which is an educational experience that provides knowledge and understanding of the medicine research and clinical trial development process. 

During their year-long program, the 2025 Cohort will actively participate in a variety of collaborative activities through regular meetings and online groups to discuss challenges, share valuable study resources, and support each other’s progress.

Congratulations to all of the following Patient Expert Scholarship recipients in the 2025 Cohort. GlobalSkin wishes them all the very best on their educational journey.

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2025 Cohort's Current Progress

The 2025 Cohort, currently advancing through their educational journey, engages with GlobalSkin peers via dedicated WhatsApp groups and regular meetings facilitated by Warren Simangolwa, Ogo Maduewesi, and Kristen Wheeden. These sessions provide a supportive space for asking questions, sharing study strategies, and encouraging one another throughout the programme.

We wish the 2025 Cohort continued success as they work toward graduation in October 2025.

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The 2024 Patient Expert Training Graduates

After a rigorous year of learning through the Patient Expert Training Programme, the 2024 graduates have gained in-depth knowledge of the medicines development process and the critical contributions patients make throughout. Equipped with these insights, they are ready to amplify their advocacy work and drive change within their communities. We warmly congratulate the 2024 cohort on this incredible achievement!

From October 21 - 24, 2024 in Madrid, Spain, fourteen recipients of the GlobalSkin Patient Expert Scholarship attended the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme Graduation event. Please join us in celebrating:

  • Marc Yale – IPPF
  • Paul Mendoza – PSORPHIL
  • Joseph Harerimana – Anti Vitiligo Rwanda Foundation (AVF)
  • Toni Roberts – DEBRA South Africa
  • Francisco Tapia Besnier – Fundación Padece
  • Jakub Sadocha – GlobalSkin
  • Gary Lai – Hong Kong Psoriasis Patients Association
  • Jaclyn – Lichen Sclerosus Support Network
  • Rachel Ogola – Eczema Society Kenya
  • Špela Novak – Društvo Atopijski dermatitis
  • Lauren Isbell – Nevus Outreach

Hear from 2024 Graduates

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"As a patient advocate, learning the process of drug development, clinical trials, regulations, and HTA (Health Technology Assessment) is crucial. I have had the privilege of being part of the European Patients' Academy on Therapeutic Innovation (EUPATI) Patient Expert Program. This transformative journey has equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills that I am eager to apply to our advocacy efforts. It is an honor to be recognized as a certified EUPATI Fellow and to stand among such remarkable individuals."  

Paul Mendoza | Psoriasis Asia Pacific

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"I recently completed the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. The comprehensive curriculum, expert guidance, and interactive learning modules provided a deep understandinof drug development and patient advocacy. The networking opportunities were invaluable, connecting me with a global community of advocates. I am deeply grateful to Global Skin for their support, which made this transformative learning experience possible. This programme is a must for anyone passionate about advancing patient-centered research and development."  

Jaclyn Lanthier | Lichen Sclerosus Support Network

Learn about the 2024 Cohort and their personal expectations

Francisco Tapia Besnier - Fundación Padece
Chile

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Gaylord Inena wa Inena - Corbettta DR Congo

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Lauren Isbell - Nevus Outreach
USA

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Gary Lai - Hong Kong Psoriasis Patients Association
Hong Kong

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Michael Koehlher - Association For Autoimmune Diseases
Denmark

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Paul Mendoza – PSORPHIL
Philippines

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Rachel Ogola – Eczema Society of Kenya
Kenya

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Špela Novak - Društvo Atopijski dermatitis
Slovenia

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Toni Roberts - DEBRA South Africa
South Africa

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Jakub Sadocha - GlobalSkin
Canada

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Jaclyn Lanthier - Lichen Sclerosus Support Network
USA

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Hubert Godziątkowski - Polish Association for Atopic Diseases
Poland

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Joseph Harerimana - Anti Vitiligo Rwanda Foundation
Rwanda

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Marc Yale – International Pemphigus Pemphigoid Foundation  
USA

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The 2023 Patient Expert Training Graduates

After their year of intensive learning through the Patient Expert Trainingthe patient advocates below gained a comprehensive understanding of the medicines development process and the important role of patients throughoutThey have been equipped with the knowledge that will take their patient advocacy work to the next levelWe would like to congratulate the 2023 cohort on this achievement

On the week of October 23-26, 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic, the five recipients of the 2023 GlobalSkin Patient Expert Scholarship attended the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme Graduation event. Congratulations to: 

  • Jorge Perez – Vitamigos – Cuba 
  • Gaone Matewa – Beyond Vitiligo – South Africa 
  • Kelly Barta – Coalition of Skin Diseases – USA 
  • Melanie Funk – Eczema Support Australia  
  • Jennifer Austin, CEO, GlobalSkin 
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 2023 Patient Expert Training Graduate Interviews

Managing Director of Eczema Support Australia Melanie Funk (appearing at 0:23) expresses her thoughts on the program.

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HS Patient Association Co-Founder Barry McGrath (appearing at 0:11) sheds light on the value he gained from the program.

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GlobalSkin Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Austin (appearing at 0:17) shares her views on the program.

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