Fels students learn how to turn hope into action with Dr. David Fajgenbaum

On September 17, students in the Public Communications course attended a book signing and conversation with the rare disease researcher.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum nearly died multiple times before the age of 30 in his ongoing battle with Castleman disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. Now a physician, professor, and advocate for rare disease research at the University of Pennsylvania, Fajgenbaum recounts his ordeal and search for treatment in his forthcoming book, Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope into Action.

On Tuesday, September 17, Fels Institute of Government students in the Public Communications course attended Fajgenbaum’s book signing in order to meet the doctor and better understand how he turned his near-tragedy into a campaign of hope and action. Hosted by the Mütter Museum, Fajgenbaum’s on-stage conversation with Penn professor Angela Duckworth made the perfect backdrop for Fels students as they focus on communication as a tool of thought leadership, a driver for change, and a platform for inspiration and leadership.

The Mütter Museum also generously provided meeting space in its Gross Library for the Public Communications class to discuss and reflect on Fajgenbaum’s presentation—as well as their own preparations for the course’s final assignment, an inspirational or thought leadership speech which is due in December.

Throughout the year, Fels offers programming designed to explore real-world applications of public leadership and management. For more opportunities to meet and learn from public leaders, view upcoming events at Fels.

On September 17, students in the Public Communications course attended a book signing and conversation with the rare disease researcher.

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