State of the Patient Summit 2026
The Summit unfolds in two parts: patients first define the barriers limiting their healthcare choices, access, and affordability. Policy leaders then respond with practical solutions designed to strengthen transparency, enforce accountability, and give patients more choice and control.
When: March 5, 2026
Where: Waldorf Astoria | Washington, DC
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Liz Carter
Following her son’s delayed diagnosis of homocystinuria, Liz Carter became a rare disease advocate dedicated to improving early detection and reducing barriers to timely care.
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Vanetta Fenton
Living with myasthenia gravis since 2003, Vanetta pairs her professional experience as a disability claims manager with her work through But I’m Strong, LLC to build practical tools and support for people facing chronic illness.
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Michele Rayes
With more than two decades in healthcare, Michele Rayes serves as Associate Director of the HypoPARAthyroidism Association and leads advocacy and policy efforts on behalf of the rare disease community.
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Bil Schmidtknecht
Following his son’s death linked to disruptions in prescription access, Bil Schmidtknecht founded PatientProtector.us and has since become a leading advocate for pharmacy benefit manager reform and patient protections.
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Ge Bai, Ph.D., CPA
Ge Bai, PhD, CPA, is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a leading expert in healthcare finance and policy, with experience testifying before Congress and serving as a visiting scholar at the Congressional Budget Office.-1.png?width=300&height=300&name=Untitled%20design%20(13)-1.png)
Anthony DiGiorgio, DO, MHA, FAANS
Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio is a UCSF neurosurgeon and health policy leader whose work focuses on reducing administrative burdens, advancing payment reform, and improving patient access, including testimony before Congress.
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Dutch Rojas
Dutch Rojas is founder of The Rojas Report, where he delivers unfiltered analysis on healthcare economics and champions independent, physician-led reform.
A Day for Patients. Two Distinct Experiences.
Join us on March 5, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC for an afternoon of candid policy dialogue at the State of the Patient Summit, followed by an evening celebration at the Rise Awards honoring leaders advancing patient-centered healthcare.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The State of the Patient Summit is made possible by partners who support patient-driven healthcare reform and meaningful improvements in access, affordability, and accountability.
