Patty Skolnik

Citizens for Patient Safety Founder & President/CEO

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Patty Skolnik, Citizens for Patient Safety Founder & President/CEO, International Trainer and Presenter lost her only son Michael to poor communication and medical error. Taught by harrowing real-life experience, Patty has become a patient safety expert and an advocate for shared decision-making, informed consent and improving patient/provider relationships in healthcare. She founded Citizens for Patient Safety to reduce medical harm and promote engagement. Patty travels worldwide to educate consumers, train medical professionals, and advise lawmakers about fostering relationships, systems and environments based on shared decision-making and transparency.

Patty feels that her life’s path proves the value of a collaborative culture in healthcare. A culture that not only permits, but encourages patients to ask questions, seek second opinions, be presented with all options for treatment (including doing nothing), and have their values and preferences heard. Named one of CNN’s “Intriguing People,” Patty was also invited to the White House to discuss health care. She is the proud recipient of the National MITSS HOPE Award, the Colorado Patient Safety Coalition Patient Safety Leadership Award, the Transparent Health Leadership Award and The Colorado Trial Lawyers Consumer Protection Award in honor of her son. She is featured in the book “Take Back your Government” by Colorado State Senator Morgan Carroll. Patty is no stranger to the media – appearances include The Today Show, The Doctors and local and national news channels. Patty Skolnik is forging a hop