Katherine McIsaac is a member of the Research Advisory Group (RAG), a subgroup within our Patient and Public Network that reviews grant applications.
Due to her heart valve issues, Katherine underwent open heart surgery in 2021. After recovering from her surgery, she teamed up for an inspiring 5,000-mile cycling challenge in Scotland to support our Heart of Scotland Appeal.
I was asked if I would be interested in joining the RAG as a patient representative. In my role, I read through and assess funding applications for grants in Scotland. This comes with significant responsibility, as it’s important for the funding to be directed to areas that will benefit those in need of treatment.
I attended the RAG meeting last November as a patient representative where I could vocalise my thoughts on the funding applications and where I thought the money should go.
It was lovely to meet the other patient reps and hear their stories. The medical professionals were also very welcoming, happy to hear why I was there and were interested in what I had to say.
I have gained confidence in joining the group and feel that my desire to help in some way has direction. I now have a broader depth of knowledge in heart diseases and a better awareness of how it affects individuals and families during the acute stages of ill health, through to recovery.
It’s very important for patients and the public to be involved in research, so that the human story behind the research is represented and the teams don’t get caught up in statistics. I believe that patients need a voice or more voices, to advocate for them, improve patient pathways, and provide more timely treatment.
If you are considering joining the Patient and Public Network at Heart Research UK, I would strongly encourage you to do so. It can be rewarding and interesting and it isn’t onerous on time taken.
Your precious gift will help to save lives in your community and across the UK.
Sharing your journey of living with or knowing someone who has had a heart condition is invaluable. Your experience inspires, helps and supports people across the UK.
Chris is a dedicated member of the Patient and Public Network. Driven by his personal experience of heart diseases, he hopes to help create a future where lesser lives are lost to heart diseases.
Gilbert is a dedicated member of the Patient and Public Network at Heart Research UK, helping build the future of innovation and patient care.
Peter is an active member of the Patient and Public Network, using his own experiences to help inspire the research that will support people in the years ahead.
Jaye is a member of the Patient and Public Network, using her lived experience to help shape the heart research of tomorrow.