For Patients & Families

Since our inception in 1998, the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) has served as a national model for healthcare institutions. By partnering with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center staff members regarding adult patient care, we help improve the patient experience and ensure patient- and family-centered care.

What we do

• Advocate for expanded patient and family support services, including the ability to book an appointment for the next day
• Partner with hospital administration for increased staffing and improved scheduling, when needed
• Implement better communication and service recovery, including Epic, our new shared electronic health and administrative record system
• Improve infrastructure and physical spaces, including the design of our Yawkey Center for Cancer Care

Get involved

Do you want to share your voice and experience, guide the development of projects, and shape key decisions that affect the patient care and family experience at Dana-Farber? Contact us today.

You do not need to be a member to provide your input, although new applicants are always welcome. Five to six key administrative staff members serve as voting members of the Councils. Other staff leaders are invited guests and routinely attend meetings.

For more information about the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council, including membership, please call 617-632-4319, or email renee_siegel@dfci.harvard.edu or pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.

Apply to join the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council

Co-chairs, Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)

Erica Bernstein

Diagnosed at age 35 and experiencing significant long-term collateral damage from her cancer and its treatment, Erica knows that cancer care and its aftermath are complex. The work of living with cancer requires tremendous support. Erica joined PFAC to help in the work of centering the patient and family voice across Dana-Farber in all that they do to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

Gabby Spear

Diagnosed with BRCA1 and having two young girls, Gabby went on a clinical trial to try and make a positive change for those that come after her. Finishing her treatment didn't mean she was finished with Dana-Farber. Wanting to continue to improve upon the care she received during treatment for those patients that came next, she joined PFAC, a council dedicated to providing the patient and caregivers voice to all areas of Dana-Farber.

Learn about the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council (PPFAC)