The Florida Cancer Support Network (FCSN) is proud to provide a paid fellowship program for any Floridian to become trained and certified as a patient advocate. The FCSN recognizes that having advocates who are trained, educated, and certified that understand the science of cancer prevention, early detection, innovative treatment options is important for advocacy on behalf of Floridians diagnosed with cancer. Applicants awarded a Fellowship will learn how to stay current with research and discoveries being made, in addition they will become skilled at identifying innovative treatment options translated from research discoveries across the entire cancer research spectrum. Importantly, they will become skilled in practicing effective advocacy strategies to provide maximum impact in support of cancer patients, family members, and caregivers, in addition to all others impacted by the burden of cancer.
The FCSN is pleased to provide support to a maximum of three (3) applicants for the Fellowship program annually.
This award provides:
- One-on-one mentorship from a member of the Advocacy Committee, and Jeri Francoeur, MS, the FCSN Vice Chair for Advocacy and Support Services. To learn more about Ms. Francoeur’s background please read her biography and,
- Support to attend a FCSN approved nationally recognized training program. FCSN approved advocacy training programs include, but are not limited to:
The American Association for Cancer Research’s Scientist↔Survivor Program® is designed to build enduring partnerships among the leaders of the scientific, cancer survivor, and patient advocacy communities worldwide. This special educational program provides patient advocates with special lectures using plain language, small group discussions, and other opportunities for the exchange of information on key aspects of cancer research, survivorship, advocacy, and public policy.
The Research Advocacy Network’s Advocate Institute Training Program
The Advocate Institute Training Program is designed to help build advocates’ understanding of the medical research system, scientific concepts and safeguards for research participants; it is geared for volunteers with varying degrees of knowledge.
Association of Community Cancer Centers Financial Advocacy Boot Camp
The Financial Advocacy Boot Camp prepares you to help your patients and your program address the growing issue of financial toxicity. Two levels of dynamic, online courses empower learners to help cancer patients navigate the complex and fragmented healthcare system to pay for treatment.
Project TEACH: A partnership Black Women’s Health Imperative, Stand Up to Cancer, and Friends of Cancer Research. Trains Empowered Advocates for Community Health empowers Black women through education and outreach to participate in and effectively engage with researchers and clinicians to increase participation of Black women in cancer-focused clinical trials.
Funding for an Advocacy Fellowship includes a stipend of up to $5,000 to complete a project approved by their mentor, in addition to registration and travel support to attend a national conference that is approved by the mentor at the end of the Fellowship to present a poster on the project.
The final requirement of the Advocacy Fellowship awardees is to become eligible and earn certification as a Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) through the Patient Advocate Certification Board.
The Fellowship is typically for one year; however, a one-year extension may be requested and granted, depending on the circumstances.
We are currently not taking applications at this time.
Prior to an announcement, Guidelines and an Application will be made available.
To receive updates, please contact us and sign up for our newsletter.