You Can Shape the Future of Mayo Clinic Health Research: Become a Community Expert

Have you ever wondered whether your experience navigating a diagnosis or caring for a loved one could make a lasting impact on the lives of others? 

At Mayo Clinic, individuals who share their experiences as patients, caregivers, or community members to help inform research are known as Community Experts. Through Community Engagement (CE) Studios, Community Experts provide feedback that helps researchers design studies and healthcare solutions that are more relevant and responsive to real-world needs.

No research background is necessary. As a Community Expert, your lived experience is the expertise researchers are looking for.

Meet Community Expert Psalms Frye

Rochester resident, birth doula, and mother of six Psalms Frye recently participated in a CE Studio focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, Psalms wanted to ensure community voices were included in conversations about how these technologies are developed and used.

"I think that is the trajectory our society is headed toward in most fields of operation," Psalms said. "I want to help make its usage impactful for all people's needs."

During the CE Studio, Psalms joined a discussion with researchers and other community members, sharing perspectives that could help shape future healthcare technologies.

"It was rewarding to share my lived experience with researchers who are working on finding ways to better serve our community by utilizing advanced technology," she said.

For Psalms, participating was an opportunity to help researchers better understand the needs of the people who will ultimately use these technologies.

"We are the people receiving the care," she said. "We know what our needs are. Our input should help researchers and engineers figure out how those needs can be met."

Psalms believes sharing her experiences helped researchers better understand community needs and hopes to continue contributing through future CE Studios.

"I really enjoy participating," she said. "I would love more opportunities in the future."

What to Expect as a Community Expert

Community Experts participate in virtual CE Studios where researchers gather feedback in a small-group setting. Participants are invited to share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help inform health research.

As a Community Expert, you can expect to:

• Join virtual meetings with researchers and other Community Experts.
• Accept or decline invitations to participate in CE Studios.
• Help researchers better understand community needs and perspectives.
• Have personal identifying information removed to help protect your privacy.
• Receive compensation for participating in each meeting.

Become a Community Expert

If you are 18 years or older and have experience navigating a health condition or caring for a loved one, you may be eligible to participate in Community Engagement Studios.

No research experience is required. Your lived experience can help researchers better understand the people and communities they serve.

Ready to get involved? Register to become a Community Expert.

Questions? Contact the Community Engagement Studio team at mayocestudio@mayo.edu.