Peer Med Zebra is an initiative of the Peer Medical Foundation, advocating for rare disease intersectionality with a focus on health equity and genetics in caring for those with undiagnosed, invisible, ultra-rare and rare diseases.
OUR FEATURES:
Rare Diseases: Reconciling Uncertainty and Family; Leah Sarah Peer
“I feel empowered to take these lessons learned from the rare disease community and to apply them to broader compassionate care interactions; that of a partnership based on shared decision-making, not a list of directives for patients to follow.”
Let’s Reflect: 2nd Annual: RARE Health Equity Summit in Atlanta, GA
“Our Founder & CEO, Leah Sarah Peer was a Guest Speaker and Panelist on the “Experience Matters: The Importance of Rare Disease Education in Medicine” session. “
MISSION:
Advocating for rare disease intersectionality with a focus on health equity and genetics in caring for those with undiagnosed, invisible, ultra-rare and rare diseases.
VISION:
A world where persons living with undiagnosed, invisible, ultra-rare and rare diseases and their families experience a better quality of life feeling heard and understood as they navigate the healthcare system.
VALUES:
At Peer Med Zebra, our work is guided by a set of core values (compassion, collaboration, equity and intersectionality) that shape our approach and drive our mission to advance rare disease education, promote health equity, and empower individuals affected by rare diseases.
OBJECTIVES:
- Educating healthcare professionals and students about rare diseases and the unique challenges faced by rare disease patients, particularly those from underserved communities.
- Advocating for policies and practices that promote health equity and improve access to care for rare disease patients.
- Supporting research efforts that seek to develop new treatments and cures for rare diseases, with a particular emphasis on diseases that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
- Providing resources and support to rare disease patients and their families, including access to information, peer support, and advocacy services.
OUR STORY
The inspiration behind Peer Med Zebra’s establishment stems from the experiences and passion of Leah Sarah Peer, the founder herself. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rare disease patients and as a rare sibling, Leah felt a strong drive to make a difference in caring for patients just like her sister. Her own efforts in pushing for rare disease education in medicine as a medical student and witnessing the need for greater awareness and support propelled her to establish Peer Med Zebra.
Through this initiative, Leah aspires to amplify the voices of rare disease patients, advocating for health equity, and fostering a greater understanding of the intersectional nature of rare diseases and their impact on individuals and their families’ quality of life.
It is her aim that Peer Med Zebra brings together healthcare professionals, students, and rare disease advocates who are passionate about creating a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. Together, she believes we can break down barriers, amplify voices, and create a more inclusive healthcare landscape for all.
OUR FOUNDER
Leah Sarah Peer is the Founder & Executive Director of the Peer Medical Foundation (PMF), a youth-led international not-for-profit organization advancing health equity, diversity, inclusivity and racial justice in medicine.
As a passionate medical trainee and a young community leader, she is dedicated to advocating for health equity and rare disease education. Her commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of rare diseases among healthcare professionals and the general public has led her to develop innovative solutions, including the Peer Med Zebra initiative. Through her leadership, Leah has inspired others to join her mission, and she continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry and the rare disease community.
OUR TEAM
All Peer Med Zebra team members have lived experience and a connection to rare diseases.
