They are supposed to be grassroots organizations representing the interests of people with serious diseases. But some health specialists think some patient groups are perilously close to becoming extensions of pharmaceutical companies’ marketing departments.
Judges’ Comments: This quantative examination uncovers the often-conflicted role of grassroot consumer groups that are financially beholden to special interests. A wonderfully original idea — enterprising, thoughtfully reported and engagingly written. The piece breaks a great deal of new ground and will certainly make readers rethink how to read stories quoting “patient advocates” and advocacy groups.