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 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 pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.

Apply to join the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council

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

Jenny Dahlstein

Treated for triple-negative breast cancer in 2016, Jenny later joined the Adult PFAC to contribute to Dana-Farber's work of centering the voices of patients and family caregivers in all phases of the care continuum. Living with cancer is life-altering and, for some, doesn't end with treatment. Jenny is interested in the transition into and out of care, and in equitable access to quality care for all.

Kireina Bell Sancho

Diagnosed with breast cancer and BRCA1 at age 38, Kireina realized the importance of advocating for oneself amid the complexities of cancer treatment and its aftermath. Finding strength in sharing her story, discovering the deep nuances of survivorship, and inspired by her Ecuadorian mother, Kireina joined PFAC to amplify ALL patient and family voices within Dana-Farber.

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