Dave deBronkart

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Dave deBronkart-20091229

Dave deBronkart, also known as e-Patient Dave, is a prominent advocate for patient engagement and participatory medicine. He is a cancer survivor and a noted speaker on the importance of patient involvement in healthcare decisions.

Early Life and Education

Dave deBronkart was born in Massachusetts, United States. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a degree in computer science.

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In 2007, deBronkart was diagnosed with a rare and terminal form of kidney cancer known as renal cell carcinoma. His prognosis was poor, but he sought treatment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Through a combination of traditional medical treatments and active participation in his own care, he achieved a full recovery.

Advocacy and e-Patient Movement

Following his recovery, deBronkart became an advocate for the e-Patient movement, which emphasizes the importance of patients being equipped, enabled, empowered, and engaged in their own healthcare. He is a co-founder of the Society for Participatory Medicine, an organization that promotes the partnership between patients and healthcare professionals.

Publications and Speaking Engagements

Dave deBronkart has authored several books, including Let Patients Help! and Laugh, Sing, and Eat Like a Pig. He is a frequent speaker at healthcare conferences and has delivered keynote addresses at events such as TEDx, Health 2.0, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Contributions to Healthcare Technology

deBronkart is a strong proponent of health information technology and electronic health records (EHRs). He advocates for patients having full access to their medical records and the ability to contribute to their own health data.

Awards and Recognition

Dave deBronkart has received numerous awards for his work in patient advocacy, including the Health Data Management's Most Powerful Patient Voice and the HIMSS Patient Voice Award.

Personal Life

Dave deBronkart resides in New Hampshire with his family. He continues to be active in the healthcare community, promoting patient rights and the importance of patient-centered care.

See Also

• Participatory medicine
• Patient advocacy
• Health information technology
• Electronic health record
• Society for Participatory Medicine