Patient and Family Advisory Council

At UPMC, we strive to place patients and their families at the center of everything we do.

Our UPMC Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) are one of many ways we invite our patients and families to share their thoughts, opinions, and advice.

Patient councils consist of patients, their families, and UPMC operational leaders. They meet regularly, whether monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. The councils discuss and ask for patient and family feedback for a wide variety of patient topics, which may include care experiences, advice for future work or projects, review of processes and policies, and more.

• We have several hospital-based councils where the discussions focus on topics and experiences related to that specific hospital. 
• We have a system level council, called the UPMC Quality and Patient Experience council, where the discussions focus on topics that have a system wide impact, such as broad patient experiences, policies, and patient education. The membership of this council has representation from all our UPMC regions. A standing agenda topic includes discussions related to health disparities in underserved communities.

To join one of our hospital councils, you or your loved one must have received care at the hospital where you would like to participate.

To join the system focused UPMC Quality and Patient Experience council, you or your loved one must have received care at any of our UPMC locations.

We seek those who:

• Can participate in conversations with a diverse group of people whose ideas, experiences, and opinions might be different than your own. (Learn more about our commitment to non-discrimination here.)
• Are willing to share from their experience and are comfortable speaking up in a group.
• Are a team player, respect other perspectives, and like to take on new challenges.
• Can commit to join us virtually OR in person (when/where offered) for meetings.
• Have a computer or smart device to access, and skills to join online meetings and communicate regularly through email.
• Are 18 years of age or older.

Once you apply, a representative from the council you chose will contact you in 5 to 7 business days.

PFAC Online Application

Please use the form below to apply. You may select a council you are interested in joining. If you do not see a hospital council you are interested in applying for, please email patientex@upmc.edu.