Alicia Cole Biography

Alicia Cole, an international speaker, is widely recognized as one of the most prominent voices in the fields of patient safety, infection prevention, and patient engagement. Alicia was recognized in a national address by President Barack Obama, and she was later named as a voting member of the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB). She served on the prestigious council under both Presidents Obama and Trump, from 2015 until February 2020. Cole's path to Patient Advocacy began in 2006, when her mother spotted a black dot above the former actress's surgical scar after fibroid removal surgery. It was the first symptom of Necrotizing Fasciitis (flesh-eating illness) and the start of a two-month battle to survive hospital-acquired MRSA, VRE, Sepsis, and Pseudomonas infections. She underwent six more operations, nine blood transfusions, almost had her left leg amputated, and then endured a decade of weekly medical procedures and followup. While still recovering from her near-fatal tragedy, Cole co-sponsored and successfully pushed for the adoption of two California legislation - "Nile's Law" - for Patient Safety Education and Public Reporting of Hospital Infection Rates. In between doctor visits, the Ohio State alum returned to school, receiving a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management and Leadership from UCLA School of Public Health. She works with a variety of organizations, including the CDC, CMS, Partnership for Patients, Pew Charitable Trust, and the National Quality Forum. Cole is a member of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation and the Advisory Council for the Environmental Services Optimization Playbook Project (ESOP). She is also a member of the PSAN and the Society for Participatory Medicine. The Caregiver Action Network named her one of the “Nation's Best-Practices in Patient and Family Engagement.” Incredibly, Alicia contracted a hospital infection again in 2016, necessitating two more operations, blood transfusions, and two years of intensive aftercare. Alicia's transformation from survivor to change agent has been featured on ABC's 20/20, The Doctors, The Dr. Nandi Show, Telemundo, CBS, and Fox News, as well as in USA Today, HEALTH Magazine, Consumer Reports, HealthLeaders Media, and the Los Angeles Times. Her aim is to bring the patient voice to every forum in order to create critical healthcare policies and patient safety choices, as well as to make the healthcare system safer for every patient at every interaction.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Alicia Cole's expertise is in high demand. To book Alicia Cole for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Alicia Cole's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Alicia Cole's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Alicia Cole for your next speaking engagement.