HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Going to D.C. as consumer reviewer for b.c.

mts · 08-03-2006, 11:49 AM

Hello Steph-
Actually, there are 15 scientist reviewers along with three "schmo's" like me. Us three schmo's are bc survivors (the only required attribute to become a consumer reviewer). The scientists' score the proposals based on "good science". I score them based on the cancer patient perspective and innovation. In the end, all scores are added... so I am thrilled that my opinion really matters. Although the proposals are highly scientific, they do at least provide a "public abstract" for the lay-people. Interestingly though, I really understand more of that technical stuff than I thought possible with my chemo brain...
Fortunately for me, most of the proposals had similar components to their plans. As though all research is on one tangent...
I would encourage anyone that participates on this website to try to get into this program. The Dept of Defense pays for all expenses to DC as well as Hotel. I certainly plan to go again next year!

Maria (MTS)

08-03-2006, 11:49 AM	#3
mts Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 503	Hello Steph- Actually, there are 15 scientist reviewers along with three "schmo's" like me. Us three schmo's are bc survivors (the only required attribute to become a consumer reviewer). The scientists' score the proposals based on "good science". I score them based on the cancer patient perspective and innovation. In the end, all scores are added... so I am thrilled that my opinion really matters. Although the proposals are highly scientific, they do at least provide a "public abstract" for the lay-people. Interestingly though, I really understand more of that technical stuff than I thought possible with my chemo brain... Fortunately for me, most of the proposals had similar components to their plans. As though all research is on one tangent... I would encourage anyone that participates on this website to try to get into this program. The Dept of Defense pays for all expenses to DC as well as Hotel. I certainly plan to go again next year! Maria (MTS)