"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

About Us

OUR STORY

Physician-Parent Caregivers (PPC) was created by one mother after her inability to obtain safe and quality health care for her own daughter when she became critically ill.

PPC is the first and only national charitable organization exclusively devoted to advancing the quality of care and quality of life for young adults with chronic conditions. After discovering that this population is not recognized, we made a commitment to raising awareness on their behalf

PPC is a volunteer expert board run organization. We are grateful to the cadre of board members, physicians, policy experts, organizations parents and young adults who invested their time and energy to conduct a stakeholder and systems analysis in medicine, government and health policy over the past decade. Our quest is to see that Young Invisibles have quality health care and quality life.

MISSION

Advancing quality health care and quality of life for young adults with chronic health conditions.

VISION

A world that embraces young adults with chronic health conditions so they feel safe to be their true selves and have the support to flourish

CHAMPION

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U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen

PPC’s Champion since inception. Senator Van Hollen of Maryland upholds the truth and seeks equality and justice for all people. He has been and continues to be a passionate steward leader for Young Invisibles and their families.

Board of Directors

Striving for Equality

Santi KM Bhagat, MD, MPH

Founder and President

As a mother of a young adult with a chronic condition, physician and policy advocate, Dr. Bhagat works with multiple stakeholders to identify strategies that will enable young adults with chronic conditions to live full lives. She promotes policies based on patient and family-centered care and person-centered design. The heart of her work is centered on giving a face and voice to these young adults and their families. Dr. Bhagat received her medical degree from Bangalore University. She completed her combined pathology and laboratory medicine residency at Georgetown University Medical Center and her MPH in health policy at the Milken Institute of Public Health.

Matthew Celentano

Treasurer

Matthew Celentano is a government relations specialist with Funk & Bolton, P.A.

He joined the Firm in December 2017, following 16 years as Deputy Director, Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, an organization focused on the interests of health care consumers.

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Carolyn Bell, MBA, MA

Secretary

Carolyn is a former Wall Street financial research analyst and CFO turned writer, creative director, executive coach and psychotherapist. She works with clients who seek improved overall well-being while treating their chronic conditions. She was motivated to volunteer because she knows the multilayer impact chronic conditions pose on the individual, their support system and the ability to fully realize an individual’s life goals. She brings the ability to help PPC empathetically consider the necessary strategic steps needed to scale the organization to fulfill its mission. She holds multiple degrees including a BA in Economics from Stanford University, an MBA from Columbia Business School and an MA in Counseling Clinical Mental Health at Wake Forest University.