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Rachel Smith
Global Head of Rare Disease
Rachel Smith is a prominent figure in the field of mental health and rare diseases, currently serving as the Co-Lead of the Global Genes Mental Health Working Group at Global Genes. In this role, she collaborates with other leaders to address the intersection of mental health and rare disease, focusing on advocacy and support for patients facing these challenges.3
Background and Experience
Rachel has a rich professional background, particularly in patient advocacy and clinical research related to rare diseases. She is also the Global Head of the Rare Disease Center of Excellence at Parexel, where she emphasizes a patient-first approach to clinical trials and treatment development. Her work involves collaborating with various organizations to improve outcomes for patients with ultra-rare diseases, often those who lack viable treatment options.12
Advocacy and Initiatives
In her capacity at Global Genes, Rachel is dedicated to enhancing awareness and understanding of mental health issues within the rare disease community. This involves not only addressing the unique needs of these patients but also working towards legislative changes that benefit them.12 Her personal experience with a rare disease diagnosis has further fueled her commitment to this cause, providing her with firsthand insight into the complexities faced by patients.2
Conclusion
Rachel Smith's dual roles at Global Genes and Parexel position her as a key advocate for integrating mental health considerations into the broader context of rare disease management. Her efforts aim to create a supportive environment for patients navigating both mental health challenges and rare conditions.
Highlights
Happy International Women's day!!!
I had the privilege of spending the day in Rome, where unexpectedly I was greeted with flowers, mimosas and unexpected gifts. It's a beautiful thing experiencing the celebration of women ❣️💫🇮🇹
Celebrating my ♀️ superheroes Mundeep Matharu Lianne Riley Audrey Jamieson Amanda Harrison Clare Grace Amy McKee Kat Povey Stacy Hurt 🌻 Alison Ritchie Jo McAllorum Heidi Juncher-Benzon Dr. Joanna L. Christiane Niederlaender Claire Browne Edina Tolnay MD PHD Rakhee Modha Marianne Allen
So I have not stopped crying today.
The passion, strength, and power of EVERY. SINGLE. rare advocate sharing their stories today.
Plus the engagement from my network and our Parexel teams to amplify awareness today has floored me.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
#RareWithHeart #rarediseaseday #rarediseaseawareness
Stacy Morrow, MS, RN, PHR Stacy Hurt 🌻 Hina Saleem Gvantsa Kvantaliani MD. Amy Van Kirk Kristen Paskins, RN Bernadette Haberman Kim MacDonnell, BScN, MSc, RN, CGC Renata C. Gallagher, MD, PhD Lorena Bissola Dennis Childers Shannon Marriott Deborah Pasko, PharmD, MHA Sarah Jobsis laura bonfiglio Claire Fulton Danaka Williams Addison Stallings Brianne Almasy Becky Hurt Beth Davis Heppenstall Grace Alyea Noha Rayad PhD Jamie Pierson Chris A. Learn, Ph.D, PMP Nichola Gokool Kristina Reeder Caroline Norwood Martin Keywood Parexel and the 100's of others who have played such a huge part in RD awareness 👏
