Join Us for a Day to Learn, Connect, and Advance Patient Engagement in Research

9th Annual Patient Advisor Retreat

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |  Detroit, MI

Sponsored by Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences, this year’s event brings together patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare teams from both organizations. The event celebrates the vital contributions of patient and family advisors while providing researchers with practical tools and insights to strengthen patient and community-engaged research (PCER). Through collaboration and shared learning, this gathering advances our shared goal of centering lived experience in both healthcare and research.

Registration

Register Now

• This event is free, but registration is required to participate.
• The deadline to register for the Retreat is Friday, October 31, 2025

For any questions, please email PERC@hfhs.org

What to Expect

During the 9th Annual Patient Advisor Retreat, sponsored by HFH+MSU Health Sciences, attendees can look forward to: 

• Welcome & Opening Remarks: Hear from HFH + MSU leaders as they highlight the importance of partnership and patient-centered research.
• Guest Speaker: Discover how research studies are partnering with patients and communities, using lived experiences to shape study design, guide implementation, and inform dissemination.
• Patient & Community Panel: Engage with Patient and Community Advisors as they share their personal experiences and the impact of engagement in research.
• Breakout Sessions: Researchers can choose from sessions tailored to different levels of experience and interests. Engagement 101 is designed for investigators new to patient and community engaged research, covering core principles, strategies for involving patients and community members, and ways engagement can enhance study design. Lessons Learned is for investigators with more experience, focusing on real-world challenges, shared successes, and advanced strategies to maximize the impact of engagement.
• Poster Session & Networking Lunch: Explore research and quality improvement posters highlighting the work of HFH and MSU councils, committees, and investigators. Enjoy opportunities to network, engage with peers, and celebrate accomplishments. Awards will be given for top posters and attendee favorites.
• Collaborative Session: Connect with peers in focused groups to share ideas, build connections, and explore opportunities for future projects and initiatives—whether in research, community efforts, or advocacy.
• Closing Remarks: Reflections on the day and future opportunities in patient and community engagement, with insights from HFH and MSU leadership.

The full agenda for the event will be available in the coming weeks.

Poster Guidelines and Submission

All are welcome to submit a poster highlighting ongoing work related to research, clinical initiatives, educational programs, or specific projects. To be eligible, submissions must demonstrate patient, caregiver, and/or community engagement as part of the study or project. Posters are encouraged from researchers, clinicians, trainees, healthcare professionals, and others involved in patient-centered research at Michigan State University or Henry Ford Health.

• CLICK HERE for Poster Submission Form
• Submission Deadline: Monday, October 21, 2025
• Selection Process: Posters will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis . Must demonstrate patient, caregiver, and/or community engagement as part of the study or project.
• Important: To be considered, poster presenters MUST be registered to attend the 9th Annual Patient Advisor Retreat.
• Notification: A notification email will be sent out before submission deadline for posters that are selected.

Venue

International Banquet Center
400 Monroe St #8th
Detroit, MI 48226

Parking

Valet parking at Event Venue (FREE)
Valet parking will be free for all attendees. More information about parking will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.

Attendees may choose to park in nearby garages at their own expense if they prefer not to use valet.

Learn More

• The Patient Engaged Research Center (PERC)
• Patient Advisor Program
• HFH+MSU Health Sciences