Alicia Cole, BA

Governance Board Member

Patient Safety Movement Foundation
Patient Safety Consultant

Alicia Cole is on the Governance Board of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation. A former actress and internationally recognized speaker who is regarded as one of the most influential voices in patient safety, infection control and patient engagement, Cole is a two-time survivor of hospital-acquired MRSA, sepsis, and necrotizing fasciitis. This saw her endure nine surgeries, 11 blood transfusions, and more than a decade of weekly medical treatments and aftercare.

While recovering from her first near-fatal ordeal, Cole was already beginning her journey from survivor to health policy change agent. She cosponsored and successfully lobbied for passage of two California laws, one for patient safety education for healthcare workers and the other for public reporting of hospital infection rates, a piece of legislation that became known as Nile’s Law.

In 2015, Cole was honored by President Barack Obama for her advocacy work and appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB), continuing in that role until February 2020. She continues to promote safer care and describes her mission as bringing the patient voice to every forum involved in healthcare policies and patient safety decisions, and making the healthcare system safer for all patients.