Patient & Family Partner Program

About Us
The Heart Transplant Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) seeks to enhance the patient care experience by ensuring that the voices of patients and families are represented. The PFAC is committed to providing support and guidance to Stanford Health Care’s Heart Transplant Program, its patients, and their families. 

Fall 2022 Newsletter

Key Accomplishments

In-Person Heart Transplant Reunion
Following a five-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, the Heart Transplant PFAC hosted an in-person Annual Heart Transplant Reunion.  Over 300 attendees returned to the annual special gathering of patients, families, medical staff, and faculty. The event featured guest speakers, patient and caregiver reflections, exhibit booths, as well as dinner and networking.

At the event, speakers presented insights on the future of AI in the medical field, strategies for coping with anxiety that patients face after transplant, and the state of healthcare in the post-pandemic era. Of all the speakers, the highlight of the event was the two patients who shared their powerful stories of tragedy and triumph, leaving the audience inspired and moved. Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive!

Recognizing Outstanding Service
Each year, the PFAC recognizes an individual or group of healthcare professionals who provided an outstanding patient experience to heart transplant patients and/or their families.  Recipients receive a certificate of recognition and are honored in person at a monthly PFAC meeting.

In May 2024, the PFAC awarded the Stanford Blood Center a “Certificate of Recognition” for providing outstanding service to the Heart Transplant program.  These skilled professionals were honored for their excellent work in the specialized, urgent process of testing for antigens and antibodies in blood for transfusion.

Produced Two Newsletters 
Twice a year, the PFAC produces a newsletter for the heart transplant community. The newsletter is comprised of articles from expert contributors on relevant topics. In 2024, newsletters focused on the theme of resilience.  Creating a 12-page colored newsletter is no easy feat, but the PFAC has many willing individuals who contribute their time to make it informative, authentic, and engaging for readers.  

Looking Ahead

The overarching goals of the Heart Transplant PFAC are to advocate, educate, inform, and build community for the Stanford Health Care heart transplant community. In 2025, the PFAC will focus on the theme of gratitude. Gratitude means thanks and appreciation.  The heart transplant patient and caregiver community have deep gratitude for their second chance at life, as well as for their donors and donor families! In the year ahead, newsletters and the annual symposium will feature patient stories of gratitude. Clinical providers will share information on the benefits of practicing daily gratitude, which can lead to overall happiness and fulfillment. In addition to continuing the Peer 2 Peer program and  recognition for outstanding service, the theme of gratitude will be the primary focus of:

• Two newsletters (Spring & Fall)
• Virtual Heart Transplant Symposium (target mid-October)
• Mental health speaker and presentation