Emily Yousefzadeh
Emily Yousefzadeh is a dedicated patient advocate and healthcare professional based in Charleston, South Carolina, with a deep commitment to supporting individuals living with rare and chronic conditions. As the founder and lead ambassador of the “Friends of Mind” Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patient advocacy group, Emily connects patients to each other, healthcare providers, and the broader community, while promoting awareness and education. Her volunteer work extends across the MUSC Institute for Neuroscience Discovery and various Mind Conference programs, where she champions support for those affected by neurological conditions, chronic pain, and traumatic injuries.
In addition to her advocacy, Emily has extensive experience in healthcare administration and patient services, working as a Patient Services Representative in outpatient physical therapy clinics. She brings compassion, organization, and strong communication skills to her roles, ensuring patients receive the guidance and support they need. Prior to her work in healthcare, Emily contributed to special education as a paraprofessional, assisting students with multiple disabilities and challenging behaviors, reflecting her dedication to individualized care and mentorship.
Emily is also a skilled mathematics tutor at Trident Technical College, where she guides students through courses ranging from developmental math to calculus and statistics. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, she is passionate about community engagement, public health advocacy, and creating meaningful connections for those navigating complex medical journeys. Her work exemplifies a balance of empathy, expertise, and leadership in both healthcare and education.
• Trident Technical College- Associate's
• Patient Ambassador
• Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation
• Friends of Mind
• Trident Literacy Association
• Marfan Syndrome Foundation
• EDS Society
• Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• MUSC Institute for Neuroscience Discovery
• ALLIANCE OF THERAPY DOGS
• Medical University of South Carolina
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying curious, engaged, and committed to learning, even when faced with health challenges, and to valuing the simple, restorative moments in life that keep me balanced and resilient.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to approach every patient and challenge with curiosity, empathy, and integrity, and to let my own experiences guide me in advocating for those who feel unheard.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare or patient advocacy is to stay compassionate while protecting your own energy, listen closely to patients, keep learning, and trust that your voice and experiences are valuable in every professional space.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the lack of awareness and coordinated care for conditions like POTS and HEDS, which often leads to delayed diagnoses and patient frustration. At the same time, I see a major opportunity in education, collaboration, and advocacy to help providers, employers, and communities better understand invisible disabilities and deliver care with greater compassion and respect.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in work and life are compassion, curiosity, and resilience. Outside of work, I prioritize spending time in nature, staying active within my physical limits, and continuously learning to support both my personal growth and my connection to health and physical therapy.