The latest collaboration between Servier and the Saclay Research & Development Patient Board is the new podcast project with and for patients. For the fifth and final episode of “Patient’s Side of the Story” series, Begonya Nafria and Thomas Smith look back at their commitment to patients, especially younger ones.
Through this series of poignant podcasts, several Board members shared their individual experiences. Janet, Linda, Tamás, Oriana, Begonya, Thomas, Estelle, and Veerle told us about their diagnosis and their daily battle with disease. In each episode, they describe the roller coaster ride, their worries and their hopes… but also offer practical advice and explain how research contributes to their story. And vice versa.
“My work as a patient engagement adviser is essentially about finding ways for companies like Servier to work more closely and meaningfully with patients.”
Thomas Smith, a member of the Patient Board and the Patient’s Side of the Story project.
“In general, when you listen to patients, and of course not just children and young people, but adult patients too, you realize that their requests and needs in terms of research are achievable.”
Begonya Nafria, a member of the Patient Board and the Patient’s Side of the Story project.
Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform here.
The Servier Saclay Research & Development Patient Board has 18 patient members who represent ten different pathologies(1). It works closely with our R&D teams so that patients’ views are even more effectively integrated into the new medicine research and development process.
Listen to all podcasts
Ep. 1: Janet West’s story
In 2019, Janet West was diagnosed with tongue cancer and underwent an eleven-hour operation. The first episode of “The Patient Side of the Story” tells her story and gives a strong, warm and positive account.
Listen to Janet’s podcast on your favorite platform here
Ep. 2: Linda Stone and Tamás Bercecky’s stories
Although Linda Stone suffers from Sjögren’s syndrome and Tamás Bercecky was diagnosed HIV-positive and suffers from depression, their stories share many similarities.
Listen to Linda and Tamás’ podcast on your favorite platform here
Ep. 3: Estelle Jobson and Veerle Aertsen’s stories
Estelle Jobson has endometriosis, while Veerle Aertsen has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Estelle and Veerle: two women, two stories and two inspiring, engaging journeys!
Listen to Estelle Jobson and Veerle Aertsen’s podcast on your favorite platform here
Ep. 4: Oriana Sousa’s story
Oriana was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at the age of 22. Thanks to her ingenuity, perseverance – and despite relapses, she is on the path to recovery. Oriana has been in remission for eight years.
Listen to Oriana Sousa’s podcast on your favorite platform here.
Working with patients, a priority for Servier
At Servier, we are convinced that involving patients in all stages of the medicine life cycle allows them to benefit from the best therapeutic solutions and suitable care over the course of their journey. In order to respond effectively to their needs and those of their families, their opinions and contributions must be valued. We believe that their knowledge of diseases and treatments is essential to advancing research and innovation, and improving therapeutic solutions and care.
(1) Patient volunteers who applied to EUPATI (European Patients’ Academy on Therapeutic Innovation), an innovative pan-European initiative involving 33 organizations, led by the European Patients’ Forum with partners from patient associations, universities and non-profit organizations, as well as a number of European pharmaceutical companies.