Education Advisory Panel

Join the PKD Foundation’s Education Advisory Panel
Shaping Tomorrow’s Patient Education, Today! 

At the PKD Foundation, our commitment to enhancing patient outcomes through education is unwavering. We understand that when it comes to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), the alignment of patients, caregivers, physicians, and healthcare providers is paramount. A shared vocabulary and a unified learning pathway are crucial components on this journey. This is where the PKD Foundation steps in— dedicated to coordinating a comprehensive, patient-centric educational experience. 

The Education Advisory Panel (EAP) is a distinguished forum driving transformative advancements in PKD education. Comprised of a diverse group of experts, the EAP plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of patient education, ensuring its robustness, relevance, and resonance with the patient community. Those serving on the panel receive a small honorarium for their participation and dedication.  

Who Are We Seeking?

One primary care physician and one pain specialist. 

EAP Member Qualifications  

• Ability to utilize adult learning theory in the design of education 

• Demonstrate a history of working with multidisciplinary teams to create education 
• Familiar with interactive educational components 
• Abstain from relevant conflicts of interest with commercial interests 
• For physician roles, be active in PKD care, either through a patient panel, research, or equivalent work 

EAP Member Role Responsibilities  

• Assist with strategic planning and provide feedback pertaining to curriculum development as requested  
• Review all information shared by PKDF staff prior to scheduled meetings  
• Attend virtual meetings (four meetings per year)  
• Support PKDF staff in ways that best contribute to the mission and vision of the PKDF  
• Work collaboratively with the EAP Chair, EAP members, and the PKDF education staff  

• Work with the EAP Chair to contribute to the PKDF curricular framework, serving as the foundation for patient and certified education content development 
• Work with the EAP Chair to provide a recommendation on faculty selection by educational topic 
• Serve a 2-year term  
• Terms may be staggered to ensure continuity through onboarding of new members  
• EAP members may serve up to two consecutive, 2-year terms  

• Former members may be considered for an open position after they’ve spent a total of two full terms (four years) off the EAP 

Why Join the EAP?

By becoming a member of the EAP, you’ll have the unique opportunity to: 

• Contribute to Patient-Centric Education: Your insights will directly influence the design and content of educational resources, ensuring they’re tailored to meet the specific needs of PKD patients. 
• Collaborate with Experts in the PKD Field: Engage in dynamic discussions alongside healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and thought leaders in the PKD field, fostering a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas. 
• Drive Innovation: Play a pivotal role in pioneering novel approaches to education delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance learning experiences. 
• Make a Lasting Impact: Your involvement will directly impact the lives of PKD patients and their support networks, fostering a better understanding of the disease and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. 

I have worked in clinical practice and research as a kidney nutrition specialist for more than 30 years with patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Food and supplement companies are a part of a fast-growing industry, but they are not always good for all our patients. Although most patients with PKD have similar medical backgrounds, individualized diet recommendations are needed. I have been an executive committee member at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for many years and I would like to share my knowledge and experience to help provide healthy diet information to patients with PKD.


          –  Haewook Han, PhD, RD, CSR, LDN

We Invite Applications from Individuals Who Possess:

• Proven Expertise: An established track record in the field of PKD, nephrology, patient advocacy, healthcare education, or related disciplines. 
• Passionate Advocacy: A genuine commitment to advancing patient care through education, advocacy, and empowerment. 
• Visionary Thinking: The ability to envision and articulate innovative approaches to patient education that resonate in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 
• Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to engage in collaborative and constructive dialogue, contributing to a diverse and inclusive panel.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on PKD patient education, we encourage you to submit your application for the Education Advisory Panel. Please provide a comprehensive CV along with a letter of intent outlining your qualifications, your vision for patient education, and the unique perspective you bring to EAP. 

The application is due November 6, 2023. Selected panel members will be notified by late November. 

Join us in redefining the educational landscape for PKD patients. Together, we’ll foster a community of informed and empowered individuals, paving the way for better patient outcomes and a brighter future. 

For inquiries or further information, please contact the Education Department at education@pkdcure.org.