Jonathan joined the Patient and Public Network Executive in 2025, but he is no stranger to Cochrane. Our Patient and Public Involvement Manager, April English, sat down with Jonathan to chat about his motivations to volunteer, impacts, tips and so much more!
What motivated you to get involved in Cochrane's evidence community?
Over the past 10 years I have served on numerous Cochrane review panels as a patient and public representative, providing insight into the provider services to patients and the public in the United States and impact of cost of these service options to users and providers of health care services. Advocating for evidence based and value-based care is an important aspect of my interest and participations.
Since becoming involved with Cochrane, what is a particular moment or project you are proud of?
In each of the reviews I have participated, it has been rewarding to be recognized as a valued member of each panel and to be able to promote the need to consider the cost of care/procedure/product as an essential component of the Cochrane recommendations.
Can you share a story where you or someone you know were involved in health research and how that experience led to a significant impact on your own life or lives of others.
Many years ago, I had a knowledgeable thesis advisor at Stony Brook University, Daniel M. Fox, PhD. Subsequently he is now the President Emeritus of the Milbank Memorial Fund. His expertise in health services research, social policy and public health instilled in me the importance of public health and social policy that have influenced my entire career in health services and my subsequent interest in patient and public dynamics.
What resource, organization, learning opportunity, or mentor helped you most when starting your Cochrane journey?
In the past 3 years, I have engaged with Richard Morley, the (past) Consumer Engagement Manager (recently retired). He introduced me to opportunities and individuals within Cochrane and eagerly received suggestions to improve patient and public impact and participation on Cochrane reviews.
What advice or tips would you give others interested in getting involved with Cochrane?
Cochrane Engage is a critically important access point for people.
Cochrane Engage is a critically important access point for people. It allows for selection of review projects, as well as the Cochrane Patient and Public Network. Once you get started and gain experience with panel selection and participation, your value as a panelist/reviewer increases and you become a member recruited by panel leaders. The Patient and Public Network is evolving as an ever more critical component of the Cochrane experience. Its vitality will serve to improve the Cochrane review process and outcomes.
Join Jonathan and 2500 other patients and members of the public who are contributing to Cochrane and health evidence by signing up to our Network here.
