Welcome to Our 2026 Spring Symposium

"What is a Patient Safety Advocate

and Why it Matters to You"

Learn About Sponsorship

WHAT?

Pulse is excited to present our 2026 Annual Symposium Family Centered Patient Advocacy Training.

Everyone is welcome to attend:
Patient Advocates
Family Members & Friends
Caregivers
Healthcare Professionals and more!

WHEN?

March 26, 2026 Thursday
8:00 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speakers, Symposium & Training
March 27, 2026 Friday
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speakers, Symposium & Training
Optional Event:
Dinner and Death Cafe:
Thursday, March 26th Only 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE?

Viana Hotel and Spa Westbury, Long Island, New York
2998 Brush Hollow Rd.
Westbury, New York 11590
(516) 338 - 7777
Hotel Discount Available
(Located just a short walk away from NYCB Theatre at Westbury)

Book your stay here

For additional nights contact the hotel direct for discount.

LEARN ABOUT THE DEATH CAFE HERE!

CAN'T ATTEND BUT WANT TO MAKE A DONATION? DO THAT HERE!

Family-Centered Patient Advocacy Training for the 2026

"What is a Patient Safety Advocate and Why it Matters to You"

March 26th & 27th 2026

2026 FEATURED SPEAKERS

Teri Frykenberg, RN CCM BCPA

Teri Frykenberg guides aspiring patient advocates on turning their passion into a career, covering essential requirements, pros and cons, and strategies to avoid costly first-year mistakes.

Steven Goodstein, RN, BCPA

Steven Goodstein provides practical tools for navigating conflict in professional and personal settings, using real-world case studies to improve communication, problem-solving, and reduce errors.

Bruce Hirsch MD, FACP, FIDSA, AAHIVS

Dr Hirsch will address differing views on vaccines, explain how the body and immune system interact with germs, outline vaccine-preventable infections, and review both long-term effects and side effects of vaccines..

Victoria Killian, BCPA

Victoria Killian shares personal stories of safety breakdowns and system failures that had irreversible consequences for her family, revealing lessons learned and the foundation of her patient safety advocacy.

Karen Campbell, MBA, RSCP

Karen Campbell clarifies the distinct roles and responsibilities of family caregivers, aides, and support personnel, examining how these differences impact patient safety, care quality, and legal accountability.

Juan A. Contreras, CPXP

Juan A. Contreras, CPXP explores patient experience as a shared responsibility, demonstrating how his hospital operationalizes quality, communication, and advocacy through innovative programs.

Ilene Corina, BCPA

Ilene Corina empowers patient advocates through family-centered advocacy tools, critical communication skills, and practical strategies to prevent falls, infections, medication errors, and surgical complications.

Yosef Dlugacz, PhD

Dr. Yosef Dlugacz explores the challenges facing external patient advocates and offers a roadmap for transforming these limitations into opportunities for enhanced patient safety and truly patient-centered care.

Randi Lebar, MD

Dr. Randi Lebar shares the inspirational story of her mother, pianist Elaine Lebar, who went viral on TikTok from a memory care unit, and the lessons learned about connection, meaning, and joy despite cognitive decline.

Kristen Miller, DrPH, MSPH,
MSL,CPPS

Dr. Miller explains how AI is being used in healthcare—from clinical decision support to scheduling—and discusses critical concerns for patient advocates including accuracy, bias, transparency, and privacy.

Sofie Schwartz, MBA

Brad and Sofie Schwartz explore medical error from the perspectives of both patient and loved one. Using Brad’s story as a framework, they will highlight practical support strategies, the critical role of family-centered advocacy, and how informed involvement can influence safety, communication, and outcomes.

L. Bradley Schwartz, ESQ

Greater National Advocates -
More to come.

Karen Campbell MBA, RSCP

Karen Campbell: We extend our deepest gratitude to Karen Campbell for her invaluable contributions and dedicated hard work in creating and bringing the 2026 symposium to fruition.

Maria Rodriguez

Maria Rodriguez: We extend our deepest gratitude to Maria Rodriguez for her invaluable contributions and dedicated hard work in creating and bringing the 2026 symposium to fruition.