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, and the American Medical Writers Association. Joanne is 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 (BCPA) 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 episode 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 medical/health writer and editor, specializing in plain-language writing for patients, family members and other loved ones. She's also been a case manager at a major pharmaceutical company for people with two specific rare diseases; a freelance writer/editor; and the one-person forms design and graphics department at a large community hospital in the Boston area.
Joanne is the author of "Essential Guide to Behcet's Disease" and "You Are Not Alone: 15 People with Behcet's," both of which are currently out of print. Her most recent Behcet's book (Behcet's Disease: MyModernHealth FAQs) received a 2015 National Health Information Merit Award for Patient Education.
Joanne administers this website and the searchable Essential Behcet's blog (currently being updated). She's also a frequent contributor to online Behcet's patient support groups. She has been living with Behcet's disease since 1979 and advocating for patients' needs since 1997.
Joanne Zeis, BCPA
Board Certified Patient Advocate
Uxbridge, MA 01569 USA
About Behcet's Basics Blog Books Order/Donate Events Links Contact
Copyright 2024 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 episode 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 medical/health writer and editor, specializing in plain-language writing for patients, family members and other loved ones. She's also been a case manager at a major pharmaceutical company for people with two specific rare diseases; a freelance writer/editor; and the one-person forms design and graphics department at a large community hospital in the Boston area.
Joanne is the author of "Essential Guide to Behcet's Disease" and "You Are Not Alone: 15 People with Behcet's," both of which are currently out of print. Her most recent Behcet's book (Behcet's Disease: MyModernHealth FAQs) received a 2015 National Health Information Merit Award for Patient Education.
Joanne administers this website and the searchable Essential Behcet's blog (currently being updated). She's also a frequent contributor to online Behcet's patient support groups. She has been living with Behcet's disease since 1979 and advocating for patients' needs since 1997.
Joanne Zeis, BCPA
Board Certified Patient Advocate
Uxbridge, MA 01569 USA
About Behcet's Basics Blog Books Order/Donate Events Links Contact
Copyright 2024 Joanne Zeis