Health Advocates

The type of employment that an advocate pursues largely determines his or her work environment. High-profile advocates striving to improve patient conditions on a national level may travel frequently, deliver speeches and seminars, and even lunch with members of Congress. Patient representatives at hospitals or managed care organizations experience a different work environment: a more standard business atmosphere, with little travel outside of the office. While it's not typical, some advocates at nonprofit or small community groups work from home. Health advocates can expect busy and varied workdays; interaction with many people is part of this job.