Conversation with EUPATI Fellow Andreas Christodoulou

Tell us about your background 

My journey into patient advocacy started as a personal one. Being a patient myself, from the age of 16 living with two chronic conditions, I experienced firsthand the gaps in healthcare systems — in communication, equity, and support — and I felt an immediate drive to act. Over the years, I’ve committed myself to fighting for patients’ rights, improving access to holistic and patient-centered care, and shaping systems that include the voices of those they serve.

I currently serve as Director of Operations at the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (CyFPA) -an EPF Full Member– and hold key roles in European platforms like the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) as the current Treasurer and the H2O Pan-European Observatory.

I am also a fundamental member of EUPATI Cyprus, having supported its development from the very beginning and through my role in CyFPA, I act as the immediate supervisor of its administrative staff. Through these roles, I work at the intersection of policy, research, and lived experience, driving patient engagement across borders. 

 

How did you hear about the EUPATI Patient Expert Training Programme?

I first learned about EUPATI through my collaboration with EPF and my early involvement in patient-led education and empowerment projects in Cyprus. At the time, EUPATI was already recognised as a leader in capacity-building for patient advocates. As a founding member of EUPATI Cyprus, I was closely engaged with its work, and joining the Patient Expert Training Programme was a natural next step. 

 

What made you want to join this programme?

For me, it was about turning lived experience into structured knowledge. I wanted to deepen my understanding of medicines research and development (R&D), regulatory frameworks, and patient involvement in decision-making. Being equipped with that knowledge empowers us not only to sit at the table — but to speak with clarity and be heard. I also saw this programme as a way to bring greater expertise back to Cyprus, to strengthen our national advocacy efforts and guide others, especially as we have created EUPATI Cyprus – one of the EUPATI National Platforms. 

 

Tell us more about the close network you have potentially created with other EUPATI Fellows – why did you feel this was important?

The connections we made during the training were some of the most valuable outcomes. Building a network of Fellows from across Europe — each with different backgrounds, conditions, systems, and perspectives — expanded how I understood healthcare challenges and solutions. It also helped us realize we are not alone in our efforts. It’s one thing to learn from a textbook, and another to exchange directly with peers who live and breathe patient advocacy every day. 

 

Can you share a core memory / experience you’ve had since joining EUPATI?

One moment that stands out was our group discussion on clinical trials and ethical involvement of patients in research design. Hearing personal stories of people advocating for better inclusion or access — sometimes even after being excluded themselves — was deeply powerful. It reminded me of how critical it is to embed patient experience from the earliest stages of R&D.  On a personal level, the experience of meeting with my fellow Cohort 6 in Prague for our final exam was really emotional as we had the opportunity to meet physically and make bonds for life.  

 

Do you have any advice for people looking to join this programme?

Absolutely — do it. EUPATI is more than a training; it’s a community and a movement. If you are passionate about creating change, even if you feel unsure whether you “qualify,” know that your voice matters and you will be supported. The programme is rigorous but rewarding, and it gives you a solid foundation to advocate with credibility.

 

How has this experience translated into your current work?

It’s had a transformative impact. In my role at CyFPA, I now approach collaboration with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry with far more technical knowledge and confidence. It has strengthened our national strategy on patient involvement in health technology assessment (HTA), digital health governance, and research ethics. It’s also been invaluable in my role at EUPATI Cyprus, where we now train new generations of patient experts.

EUPATI gave me the tools and connections to be not just a representative, but an informed and strategic contributor to health innovation. For that, I will always be grateful.