Joanne Zeis

As a long-time member and supporter of the American Behcet's Disease Association, Joanne Zeis works closely with the organization in distributing books and resources for patients, their loved ones and healthcare providers. She is also a member of the International Society for Behcet's Disease, NORD, the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates, the Vasculitis Foundation, and the American Medical Writers Association. She is a graduate of UCLA's Patient Advocacy program and is a Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA). Joanne also holds a B.S. in Psychology from Tufts University.

Joanne's 17-year search for a Behcet's diagnosis was the subject of an episode of the Discovery Health Channel's "Mystery Diagnosis" TV series in 2005.

In 2006, Joanne was the sole recipient of the American Medical Association's "Citation for Distinguished Service" award, for her ongoing work on behalf of Behcet's patients. The Citation is the highest national award given each year by the AMA to a non-medically-trained individual.

Joanne is the Senior Editor for Raremark, a company that strives for a day when all rare diseases can be treated successfully. She is the author of "Essential Guide to Behcet's Disease" and "You Are Not Alone: 15 People with Behcet's." Her most recent Behcet's book ("Behcet's Disease: MyModernHealth FAQs") is the recipient of a 2015 National Health Information Merit Award for Patient Education.

Joanne administers the "Behcet's Disease Books and Resources" website at www.behcetsdisease.com, the searchable "Essential Behcet's" blog at www.behcets.blogspot.com and is a frequent contributor to online BD patient support groups. She has been living with Behcet's disease since 1979 and advocating for patients' needs since 1998.