Heather Guidone, BCPA

Heather Guidone, BCPA, is a Board Certified Patient Advocate and serves as Program Director of the Center for Endometriosis Care. Guidone is recognized for her contributions to endometriosis education, patient advocacy, and women's health. Her work encompasses healthcare delivery, laboratory research, legislative advocacy, and patient-centered care, with responsibilities including oversight of the Center's multidisciplinary care program, clinical research facilitation, disease education, and public policy initiatives related to endometriosis and pelvic pain gynepathologies.

Guidone's professional activities include roles as a health educator, CME and medical writer, consultant, and research co-investigator. She participates in collaborative efforts as an editorial board member, advisor, nonprofit executive board member, international speaker, scientific abstract reviewer, and active member of various councils, committees, and special interest groups. Her involvement includes panels for the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, the United States Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and the Medical Research Grant Program of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health/Office on Women's Health. Guidone contributed to the establishment of EndoRISE, a public, multi-institution biorepository focused on research and clinical advancements in endometriosis, operated through a partnership between UConn Health and The Jackson Laboratory. She is also a founding member of the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Task Force of the national Patient Advocate Certification Board.

Guidone has contributed to numerous books, articles, and publications on endometriosis, pelvic pain, and women's health, including "The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies." She serves as an editorial board member and reviewer for patient-centered journals and has contributed to documentaries and educational materials addressing clinical trials, health education, patient-centered outcomes, and equity in care. Guidone regularly educates clinicians, nurses, healthcare workers, students, legislators, and the public to increase awareness and improve diagnosis and management of endometriosis.

Guidone's professional perspective is informed by her personal experience with advanced endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and infertility. Her lived experience has shaped her approach to advocacy and patient care. She has been recognized by the National Women's Health Foundation for her efforts to advance research, awareness, and support for women and girls with endometriosis.

Guidone's work highlights the intersection of research, advocacy, and patient care, with a focus on ensuring representation for patient, advocate, and stakeholder voices in healthcare decision-making. Her expertise in endometriosis, women's health, healthcare strategy, and patient engagement informs her work with medical professionals, policymakers, and patients.