WomenHeart Symposium Trained Advocates in Rochester
The 25th annual event equipped women with heart disease to serve as community leaders and educators.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The 25th WomenHeart Science and Leadership Symposium took place at Mayo Clinic to train patients as community advocates. The program aims to turn personal experiences into resources for supporting others living with heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women.
Why it matters
By transforming the lived experience of patients into formal education and peer support, this symposium addresses the significant need for community-level resources. It highlights the growing role of patient-led advocacy in managing heart disease outcomes.
The program has trained more than 1,000 women as champions since its inception, with the 25th iteration recently convening at Mayo Clinic. This ongoing initiative focuses on patient-led advocacy and education, though the measurable clinical outcomes of these peer networks remain under study.
The players
Mayo Clinic
A nonprofit academic medical center and research institution known for cardiology services.
WomenHeart
A national organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for women living with heart disease.
Gwen Mayes
A long-term participant in the symposium series who has been involved with the program since 2005.
The details
Participants receive specialized training to translate their personal diagnoses and recovery journeys into short, impactful narratives. Beyond storytelling, the sessions provide resources on managing the mental health aspects of living with heart disease. This dual focus empowers attendees to return to their communities as informed peer educators capable of supporting other patients navigating similar cardiovascular challenges.
Timeline
The 25th WomenHeart Science and Leadership Symposium occurred on October 10, 2026.
Gwen Mayes has participated in the symposiums since 2005.
Health Landscape
The WomenHeart Science and Leadership Symposium serves as a long-standing model for patient-led peer support in the cardiovascular space. This initiative reflects a broader trend of integrating patient-reported experience into the standard of care for chronic heart disease management.
If you are living with heart disease, consider discussing peer-support programs with your cardiologist to find community resources that address both physical and mental well-being. Finding others who share your diagnosis can be a valuable addition to the care plan your physician outlines for you.
The takeaway
Peer-led advocacy programs help bridge the gap between clinical treatment and the daily reality of managing heart disease. If you feel isolated in your recovery, speak with your care team about identifying reputable support networks in your area.
Further reading
Learn more about local support and resources by visiting the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTTC.
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