Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) Emily Bernstein, founder of Wheelhouse Health Navigation, was named Independent Advocate of the Year at the 2024 Healthcare Advocate Summit, the premier event created by advocates for advocates involved in patient access, navigation, and reimbursement.
Advocates received recognition across four categories, with Bernstein winning Independent Advocate of the Year for her work in promoting health equity in the immigrant and refugee community in Rhode Island. Healthcare Advocate Summit welcomed over 800 advocates from numerous healthcare specializations to Las Vegas for the fourth annual event.
Independent patient advocates are professionals that guide and support individuals and their families through their journey in the healthcare system. BCPAs are advocates credentialed by the Patient Advocate Certification Board, who have passed the official certification exam therefore determining their ability and fitness to serve patients.
Bernstein earned her BCPA certification in 2022. After advocating for her mother while navigating her brain cancer diagnosis, she founded Wheelhouse Health in early 2023. She earned her Community Health Worker certification in 2023 as well, and quickly sought ways to partner with the rich network of community service and government organizations here in RI to support newcomers in accessing the healthcare they deserve.
“With my mom, I got so frustrated with the healthcare system and how difficult it was to navigate. I got very good at working through the tangled mess, and wanted to bring that ability to others as they struggle with similar situations,” Bernstein says about her work. Her background in International Education led her to target newcomers going through this process, as she is familiar with the many barriers they face while attempting to secure healthcare in this country.
According to the Healthcare Advocate Summit, “the Advocate of the Year is an awards initiative that recognizes the contributions being made across the field by rising stars and emerging leaders working as Healthcare Advocates.”
To connect with an advocate or learn more about Wheelhouse Health, please visit their website, email at info@wheelhouse-health.com, or call at 401-329-6491.
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