My path to Patient Insight Institute

Yasmeena Jones, PII Intern

is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan where she studied Psychology and the Sociology of Health and Medicine

July 29, 2025

Growing up near Baltimore, my parents always emphasized the importance of paying attention to the people and stories others might overlook. My dad’s time in the military taught me about service and responsibility, and both of my parents as journalists showed me how powerful it can be to give voice to those who aren’t always heard. Those early lessons shaped how I saw the world: with curiosity, compassion, and a belief that listening is the first step toward change.

That belief carried me through my studies in Psychology and the Sociology of Health and Medicine. I became especially interested in how health is shaped not just by biology, but by history, culture, policy, and access. I learned how too often people’s experiences with health systems, especially those living with invisible disabilities, mental health struggles, or language barriers, are shaped by whether they are truly seen and heard.

What drew me to the Patient Insight Institute was their commitment to changing that reality. Here, I have the opportunity to help push healthcare beyond checklists and assumptions, to a place where patients are valued as whole people with lived expertise. In my role, I contribute to work that prioritizes listening, understanding, and responding with care that reflects people’s real lives, not just their medical records.

I’ve come to believe that better health outcomes begin with better questions, deeper trust, and an openness to what patients have to share. That’s why I’m here: to help build a future where people aren’t just treated, they’re truly heard.