Marlene in the making: From health literacy diplomat to outstanding advocate for patient voices in rare diseases with focus on DEI

In this episode of PEP Talks, Emma interviews Marlena Vincent, a patient engagement professional at Intercept Pharmaceuticals. Marlena shares her journey in patient advocacy, inspired by her father's healthcare work in Mexico and her own experiences in immigration advocacy. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in patient engagement across different pharmaceutical companies, including Moderna and Bluebird Bio, and her current focus on liver diseases. Marlena emphasises the importance of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration with patient communities, highlighting the role of technology and AI in advancing patient advocacy. She also reflects on the emotional challenges of the job and the importance of self-care. The conversation underscores Marlena's dedication to patient-centricity and her ability to navigate complex healthcare environments, making her a standout figure in the field.