Become a Heart Patient Advocate

WomenHeart is currently looking for dynamic, driven women with heart disease to apply to become WomenHeart Champions at the 2024 WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium. This is the nation’s only volunteer program that trains women with heart disease to serve as educators, advocates, and support for women living with heart disease.

About the Science & Leadership Symposium

Since 2002, the nationally renowned WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium has brought together over 1,100 women living with heart disease. During this training, women gain the knowledge and skills to become volunteer leaders, community educators, national spokeswomen, patient advocates, and support network leaders that empower women to take charge of their own health. Through a comprehensive application process, WomenHeart selects women heart patients each year to attend this prestigious 3-day educational symposium at one of the nation’s leading women’s heart institutions – The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. However, in an effort to reach a wider audience and include those who may prefer to attend this training remotely, WomenHeart is now proud to offer this opportunity as a virtual 3-week training. 

WomenHeart Champions are trained on the science of heart disease, how to share their story and message effectively, and how to become powerful patient advocates. They are also equipped with skills in leading support groups, presenting heart disease education, and conducting outreach in the community through local media, community health fairs, or other local events. All participants will receive training in the following areas.

• One-to-one and group peer support
• Support group management and engagement
• Community education and outreach
• Storytelling
• Advocacy

The WomenHeart Science & Leadership Symposium training will help you develop an action plan for the work you do in your community. WomenHeart will also provide you with resources to aid you along the way.

Eligibility to Apply

Women interested in applying must meet the following criteria:

• Must identify as a woman and have been diagnosed with heart disease.
• Must be at least 6 months post most recent cardiovascular event (e.g., surgery, heart attack).
• Must be emotionally and physically ready to serve as a women’s heart health advocate.

Cost:

There is no cost for attending the virtual symposium and WomenHeart will provide all materials required for this training.

Deadline to apply:

All applications for the virtual symposium are due no later than April 8, 2024.

Application:

All applications must be submitted electronically using the online application form. In addition, the following must be submitted at the time of application submission to ensure that your application can be processed, and an interview can be scheduled in a timely fashion:

• Reference information and email address: All references will receive an email asking them to complete a brief questionnaire about the applicant.
• Application agreement: Please read the WomenHeart Champion Agreement. By completing and submitting the application, you understand and agree to the responsibilities outlined in this agreement if accepted as a WomenHeart Champion.