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Patient and Family Advisory Council

We Engage Patients to Improve the Duke Health Experience

Duke Health patient and family advisors are volunteers who help improve the patient and family experience at Duke hospitals and clinics. We provide patient and family perspectives on patient care initiatives, projects, programs, and facilities. We hope you’ll join us.

Become a Patient and Family Advisor

Patient and family advisor membership is open to adults ages 18 and older. Members may choose to serve on a council or in an independent role. Opportunities are available at Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital, Duke Hospice, as well as Duke Primary Care, specialty care clinics, and other areas throughout Duke Health. Council member responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Attending regular patient and family advisory council meetings
  • Participating in topic-specific focus consumer groups
  • Reviewing patient and family educational and marketing materials
  • Providing feedback on building design and improvements
  • Advising on new way-finding technology
  • Participating on committees to provide the patient voice and perspective
  • Providing the patient and caregiver’s voice in all aspects of care

Why Our Work Matters

Engaging patients and families in the early stages of a project’s design lead to long-term benefits, including better health outcomes for patients, a stronger and more positive patient and caregiver relationship, and a more patient-centered experience.

Volunteer as an In-Person Patient and Family Advisor

If you are interested in volunteering or in learning more about volunteering a Patient and Family advisor, please complete our volunteer application.

Volunteer Application

In-Person Volunteer Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Flu Vaccine (seasonal) and the primary series of COVID vaccines (exemptions may be filed).
  • Must complete the application process, including references, background screening, and health clearance.
  • Must complete the mandatory hospital and department orientation.
  • Adhere to all Duke Health policies and procedures.
  • Must complete required annual training.
  • Commit to at least two hours per month and the minimum terms as defined by the individual council (typically 1 to 2 years minimum).

Patient and Family Advisor Volunteer Opportunities

Patient and family advisors represent the patient and family voice and experience based on both location and care area. Opportunities are available across the health system in the following areas:

  • Heart
  • Oncology (Not currently accepting new members) 
  • Neuroscience
  • Duke Health Integrated Practice
  • Duke HomeCare & Hospice
  • Duke Primary Care/Duke Urgent Care
  • Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital
  • Duke Regional Hospital
Prefer to Meet Virtually?

Learn about our virtual advisor opportunities.

Virtual Advisor Opportunities

Contact Duke Health Volunteer Services

Whatever your interests or skills, Duke Health Volunteer Services is committed to finding the right opportunity for you. We look forward to working with you. If you have questions, please email us at dukehealthvolunteerservices@dm.duke.edu.