Get to know our advocates: Spotlight on Nancy Keller

Photo of patient advocate, Nancy Keller

Welcome to the Umbra Health Advocacy Advocate Q&A series, where we introduce you to our community of healthcare experts and enthusiasts. In this post, we are thrilled to present Nancy Keller — who has been in the healthcare industry for over 40 years and is still going strong. She’s a medical scientist with an insatiable passion for patient advocacy. Are you ready for some healthcare wisdom? 

Getting to Know Nancy Keller: A Medical Scientist with a Passion for Empowering Patients

Q: Please describe your professional background.

Nancy: Medical scientist with 40+ years in healthcare.

Nancy is a highly accomplished medical scientist with an extensive background in healthcare spanning four decades. Her vast experience brings a distinctive view to the realm of patient advocacy, making her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Q: Share one of your most proud or gratifying professional accomplishments.

Nancy: Graduating with my Ph.D. at age 45!

The story of Nancy’s journey is truly inspiring and proves that age is just a number when it comes to following one’s dreams.

Q: What drew you to patient advocacy?

Nancy: The desire to help patients directly, not tangentially.

What sets Nancy apart is her desire to directly impact patients’ lives. She is committed to empowering each patient at the individual level. 

Q: Are there patient groups or conditions that you are especially passionate about?

Nancy: I am passionate about physiology and have a keen interest in understanding how the body works and what makes it go awry. While I find all diseases interesting, I’ve specialized in reproductive biology, autonomic dysfunction, and diabetes.

Nancy’s dedication to research knows no bounds as she tirelessly seeks answers to the complexities of the human body.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more patients knew about healthcare or patient advocacy?

Nancy: That we’re here to help YOU take control of your health, not the doctor or nurse, not the internet. We empower YOU.

Nancy emphasizes the importance of patients realizing that advocates are here to help them take control of their health. Patient advocacy is not about doctors, nurses, or even the internet; it’s about empowering the individual.

Q: Share a fun fact about you that we wouldn’t know based on your bio/resume alone.

Nancy: I’m a dog person! Love the tail waggers.

In addition to her impressive professional profile, Nancy reveals that she finds happiness in the company of her furry four-legged friends. After all, behind every accomplished medical scientist is often a dog with a heart as big as their owner’s.

Q: Anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Nancy: I’ve been told that I’m easy to talk to and am a good listener. I HEAR you.

Nancy wraps up by sharing that she’s often described as easy to talk to and an excellent listener. Her commitment to truly hearing and understanding others sets a compassionate tone in her advocacy efforts.

How Nancy can help YOU:

Nancy specializes in medical advocacy and navigation. She can help you:

  • Get a second opinion
  • Understand a new diagnosis 
  • Research doctors and other healthcare providers who specialize in your condition
  • Work with your healthcare providers to coordinate your care 
  • Help you communicate with your healthcare providers 
  • Make sure you or your loved one is getting the best quality care

Do you need a patient advocate? Learn more about how patient advocates help. And learn more about Nancy here

As we delve into the stories of our network of advocates, Nancy Keller stands out as a dedicated professional with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of the human body and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring profiles from our community of patient advocates.