Cory Goldstein, PhD, MA, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa. As a philosopher specializing in research ethics, his research focuses on ethical issues raised by pragmatic randomized controlled trials that use innovative designs and electronic health records. Dr. Goldstein is currently working with an international team of ethicists, health providers, scientists, trialists, patient partners, and members of the public to co-develop and disseminate ethics guidance for cluster randomized trials.

LuPita Gutierrez-Parker has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Now retired due to her diagnosis, Lupita served as a regional admissions advisor for Eastern Washington University for 9.5 years, following a 32-year career in social services. LuPita started to notice changes in her memory when she became more forgetful of names, dates, and basic information. Her job required frequent computer work, and she found herself experiencing increasing difficulty navigating new software, recalling standard imputing procedures, and comprehending written materials. “I am having memory problems and I don’t know why,” LuPita told her doctor. “Nothing is making sense to me.” LuPita’s physician performed cognitive testing before referring her to a neurologist. Following a neuropsychological evaluation and brain scans she was diagnosed with MCI. She confesses the immediate aftermath “was a blur.” Lupita believes the work of the Lived Experience Panel is important and providing feedback especially from representatives of diverse communities is much needed. She states, “No one person or family should go through this dreaded disease without information and support.”