As caregiver for a spouse who suffered from dementia due to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Dr. Eleanor Perfetto has been a recognized advocate for people with head-trauma-related dementia and their families by the Alzheimer’s Association New York City and National Capital Area Chapters and the Concussion Legacy Foundation. She has worked in government, industry, consulting, and academia. Today, she holds a part-time faculty appointment at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Her research and policy work focus on patient engagement in health research and care. Previously she was the National Health Council’s Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, a U.S. nonprofit organization leading on patient issues and prior was in government affairs at Pfizer Inc. She has served as a member of the CMS MedPAC, National Quality Forum committee and Health Industry Council Board of Advisors member; and past president and board member for the Drug Information Association. Dr. Perfetto holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health. She served in the U.S. Public Health Service at the Agency for Health Care Policy & Research and began her government career in the Indian Health Service. Dr. Perfetto has contributed book chapters, authored journal articles, and served as a peer reviewer. She has also presented at many national and international conferences and scientific meetings.