Deborah Collyar has been a patient engagement leader since her first cancer diagnosis. She founded Patient Advocates in Research (PAIR) international communication network in 1996, "where research meets reality." Deborah infuses hundreds of patient advocates into research programs, and delivers innovative ways to gather input from thousands of patients. Her work encompasses many diseases, programs and policies at grassroots, national and international levels and emphasizes patient issues throughout development, clinical trials, and health literate communication with providers and patients. She is a speaker, blogger, author, team member, trainer, and faculty at professional workshops.