About the authors

Dr. Sumira Riaz

Sumira is a clinical health psychologist and leads the Patient Engagement division at OPEN Health. Sumira specializes in behavior modeling, assessing, and formulating clinical and health experiences to support the development of robust and strategic interventions. Sumira still works in the NHS where she is involved in pain management, mental health care, and psychological support for people living with chronic health disorders.

OPEN Health specializes in patient engagement strategies that improve health outcomes and patient well-being. Contact us to connect with specialist experts and unlock possibilities for omnichannel strategies that minimize the nocebo effect.

Steve Clark

Steve was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2013 and has become an active patient advocate. He is a regular speaker for audiences of patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry representatives as well as being a Campaigns Ambassador for Cancer Research UK.

He set up StriveForFive.org, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to give hope to fellow patients with stage 4 cancer and to advocate for improved care for those with advanced cancer.

He is a business and marketing consultant for the pharmaceutical industry with Redwood Brand Curators.

Steve was awarded Healthcare Communications Advocate by Communiqué.