Patient Partner Program

The Patient Partner Program was designed by our Patient and Family Advisory Council in collaboration with UMass Memorial Health social workers. The program pairs current patients with someone who has had their own experience with our Cancer Center.

Benefits of Our Patient Partner Program

Our Patient Partner Program participants benefit from the insight of a peer mentor who is trained in topics such as listening, problem solving and confidentiality. These volunteers offer emotional support, practical coping tips and more. They guide patients to UMass Memorial Health programs and community resources. They also help relieve fears and concerns because they understand what it's like to face cancer.

Program for Breast Cancer Patients

For individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, connecting to someone with a similar experience can be a great source of comfort. This program is currently open to individuals of all ages with breast cancer who are receiving their treatment at UMass Memorial Health. Currently, we are only working with patients with stage 0 to III breast cancer.  
 

Become a Mentor for Breast Cancer Patients

You may be a Patient Partner Program mentor if you:

• Have received cancer care at UMass Memorial Health for stages 0 to III breast cancer 
• Have completed treatment for breast cancer and have been out of active treatment for at least one year (Note: Hormone therapy is not considered active treatment for the purposes of this program) 
• Are a good listener with patience and compassion
• Have some flexibility in your schedule to meet with the patient virtually 

Patient Partner Mentors: What You Can Expect:

• Once assigned to a patient, you’ll meet with them on the phone or via video conference.
• You’ll share your experiences and help answer questions related to treatment and cancer care at UMass Memorial Health.
• You’ll connect with them at least monthly. Frequency and duration of interactions beyond that would be determined by the you and the patient.
• You may mentor multiple people at the same time.
• You’ll be trained in HIPPA requirements and UMass Memorial Health’s Standards of Respect, and complete a volunteer orientation.

Additional Requirements for Patient Partner Mentors

You must submit a request using the link above. Once we have approved your request, a program coordinator will contact you to arrange a phone call and explain next steps. You’ll be required to complete a Patient Partner Program mentor application, participate in a phone interview, complete  hospital CORI Forms, submit a valid ID and sign a hospital Confidentiality/User Access Agreement. 

If you have questions, please contact Volunteer Services 774-443-2558 or email volunteerservices@umassmemorial.org.