About
As a long-time member and supporter of the American Behcet's Disease Association, Joanne Zeis works closely with the organization in distributing books and resources for patients, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. She's also a member of the International Society for Behcet's Disease, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and the American Medical Writers Association. She's a graduate of UCLA's 32-credit Patient Advocacy certificate program and holds a B.S. in Psychology from Tufts University. She became a Board Certified Patient Advocate in 2018.
Joanne's 17-year search for a Behcet's diagnosis was the subject of an episode of the Discovery Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis" TV series in 2005. The show can be seen on youtube in two parts:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22NHLG9jIOM
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62YET6QVUY
In 2006, Joanne was the sole recipient of the American Medical Association's Citation for Distinguished Service award, for her ongoing work on behalf of Behcet's patients. The Citation is the highest national award given each year by the AMA to a non-medically-trained individual.
Joanne has worked as a health/medical writer and editor, a case manager at a major pharmaceutical company for patients with rare diseases, and as a freelance editor for health-related topics. She's currently under contract with Raremark as a plain-language writer and editor, and recently set up PatientPathfinders.com to provide services as a medical information "concierge" for people with rare/chronic illnesses.
Joanne is the author of "Essential Guide to Behcet's Disease" and "You Are Not Alone: 15 People with Behcet's." Her most recent Behcet's book received a 2015 National Health Information Merit Award for Patient Education.
Joanne administers the Behcet's Disease Books and Resources website and the searchable Essential Behcet's blog. She is also a frequent contributor to online BD patient support groups. Joanne has been living with Behcet's disease since 1979 and advocating for patients' needs since 1997.
Joanne Zeis, BCPA
Board Certified Patient Advocate
PO Box 255
Uxbridge, MA 01569 USA
Send email: joanne1 at behcetsdisease dot com
About Behcet's Basics Blog Books Order/Donate Events Links Contact
Copyright 2018 Joanne Zeis
Joanne's 17-year search for a Behcet's diagnosis was the subject of an episode of the Discovery Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis" TV series in 2005. The show can be seen on youtube in two parts:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22NHLG9jIOM
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b62YET6QVUY
In 2006, Joanne was the sole recipient of the American Medical Association's Citation for Distinguished Service award, for her ongoing work on behalf of Behcet's patients. The Citation is the highest national award given each year by the AMA to a non-medically-trained individual.
Joanne has worked as a health/medical writer and editor, a case manager at a major pharmaceutical company for patients with rare diseases, and as a freelance editor for health-related topics. She's currently under contract with Raremark as a plain-language writer and editor, and recently set up PatientPathfinders.com to provide services as a medical information "concierge" for people with rare/chronic illnesses.
Joanne is the author of "Essential Guide to Behcet's Disease" and "You Are Not Alone: 15 People with Behcet's." Her most recent Behcet's book received a 2015 National Health Information Merit Award for Patient Education.
Joanne administers the Behcet's Disease Books and Resources website and the searchable Essential Behcet's blog. She is also a frequent contributor to online BD patient support groups. Joanne has been living with Behcet's disease since 1979 and advocating for patients' needs since 1997.
Joanne Zeis, BCPA
Board Certified Patient Advocate
PO Box 255
Uxbridge, MA 01569 USA
Send email: joanne1 at behcetsdisease dot com
About Behcet's Basics Blog Books Order/Donate Events Links Contact
Copyright 2018 Joanne Zeis