IDRAC Session 2. Dr. Erin Willis and Daniel G. Garza, Nov 10 - 7:30am SLT

International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference
Friday, November 10, 2023

Dr. Erin Willis

On Friday, November 10, Dr. Erin Willis and Daniel G. Garza will present “Patient Influencers: The next frontier of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical marketing.” At this IDRAC presentation, Willis and Garza will discuss the new trend of patient influencers and how pharmaceutical companies are leveraging patient stories to build trust and strengthen relationships with consumers. They will talk about the benefits and drawbacks of this kind of marketing practice.

Are patient influencers actually unregulated (and often unpaid) advertisers, or are they advocates?

Dr. Erin Willis is an Associate Professor in the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Willis’s research interest is how health messages influence people’s behaviors. She is particularly interested in how personal health behavior is shaped by everyday information and technology.

Daniel G. Garza is multitalented. He is an actor, stand-up comic, podcast host, patient leader, and energy worker. He is the cofounder of Lilmesican Productions, Inc.. and the author of Grumpy Bunny and the Colors Game. Daniel is an HIV and anal cancer survivor, and an Ostomy Advocate.

Please join Erin and Daniel at 7:30am SLT (Pacific time) in the Sojourner Auditorium in Virtual Ability island on Friday, November 10.