Maryjan Fiala, MS
Research Assistant/Instructional Designer
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Maryjan Fiala is a champion for interprofessional collaborative practice and education. Maryjan shares a blend of lived experience, practical knowledge, and theoretical insights, drawing from her experience as a caregiver, educator, and student-researcher. She serves as an instructional designer and research assistant at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute in addition to teaching undergraduate business courses for community colleges. Maryjan is pursuing a PhD in Adult Learning and Leadership at Kansas State University. Her research focuses on the construction of knowledge among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, reflecting her dedication to enhancing healthcare experiences.

Presenting at the Nexus Summit:

Seminar description: Individuals who experience developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability, face pervasive health disparities and limited access to quality health care services. This seminar outlines insights from a recent community research project seeking to establish needs related to individuals with disabilities preparing for and attending health care visits. Survey and interview data provided further rationale for developing an asynchronous, online course to advance health care professionals’ knowledge and skills related to…
Since 2016, the Nexus Summit has been co-created with patients, family and community members. In 2023, our Patient Responders shared the personal experiences that drive their passion for change that positively impacts patient care and outcomes. In 2024, we continue to work together with our Patient Advisors and Patient Responders to advance the patient engagement conversation with concrete strategies and positive examples of patients and family members actively partnering with health and education systems in governance, policy and workflow decisions that shape their healthcare experiences…