Mesothelioma Center Patient Advocates Earn Board Certifications
Karen Selby, R.N. and Snehal Smart, M.D. of The Mesothelioma Center are now Board Certified Patient Advocates. In order to earn this certification, both had to meet strict professional standards and demonstrate they can provide high-quality advocacy services.
Working toward these credentials demonstrates their strong commitment to mesothelioma patients, healthcare advocacy, lifelong learning and growth. Karen and Snehal will also be involved in continuing education.
Everyone who achieves Patient Advocate certification has to work to maintain this certification. Engaging in ongoing professional development ensures they stay at the forefront of the latest Patient Advocate practices and ethics.
Reflecting on Their Certifications
Karen shares, “I’ve been advocating for patients and caregivers at The Mesothelioma Center for more than 15 years. But it wasn’t until I began studying for the board certification that I truly understood the entire scope of patient advocacy.”
“Mesothelioma patients and caregivers face complex needs,” Karen notes. “Becoming a board-certified advocate has made me more rounded in my ability to help the patients I serve. I’m excited to share my knowledge with my team and apply it to real-world scenarios with the patients I help every day.”
Snehal says she enjoys being able to serve patients. She adds that this will particularly help those who may need some extra assistance concerning their mesothelioma diagnosis.
“I’m passionate about helping patients better understand their diagnosis and everything involved,” she says. “In a perfect medical world, a doctor would have ample time to explain things to the patient and focus on that one patient. But it’s sometimes difficult. I like to be a bridge between the patient and their medical doctor.”
Snehal shares that this new certification will help her meet the needs of people with an asbestos-related disease and their families. She says it also expands her network, giving her and the patients she helps more resources.
“Obtaining the Board Certification for Patient Advocacy allows me to better understand and be able to assist mesothelioma patients with other needs besides the medical side,” Snehal says. “For example, I help patients with insurance limitations, medical bills, resources for financial assistance and a patient’s legal rights.”
“It also helps me assist patients and their families in ethical situations that can arise in their cancer journey,” she adds. “My dedication to professional growth has motivated me to get this certification. It has also given me access to other professional organizations for patient advocates.”
Selby and Smart’s Backgrounds
Karen has been part of the Patient Advocate team at The Mesothelioma Center since 2009. She has a background in oncology nursing and thoracic surgery. Selby worked in the operating room at the University of Maryland for 6 years. She assisted surgeons with many lung surgeries. She also helped launch the Mesothelioma Center’s Community Partnership Program in 2022.
Snehal is our in-house doctor. She uses her vast knowledge to help patients at The Mesothelioma Center and their families. She answers their tough questions as they explore their treatment options and consider second opinions.
She also helps anyone interested in pursuing financial assistance or compensation options. She joined the team at The Mesothelioma Center in 2014.
The Patient Advocate Certification Board
The Patient Advocate Certification Board is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012. It sets and maintains high standards for patient advocacy. The organization works to enhance the quality of patient care, certifying professionals who demonstrate they’re knowledgeable and prepared to advocate for patients.
PACB’s certification program involves a thorough examination. It also involves a 3-step process.
All candidates for PACB’s certification program must also complete a self-assessment quiz. They must also provide 2 letters of recommendation and pass a disclosure questionnaire.