Regina Holliday

Regina Holliday is a patient rights activist and artist. After spending 16 years working in retail management and six years teaching art, Regina began painting a series of murals depicting the need for clarity and transparency in medical records. This advocacy mission was inspired by her husband Frederick Allen Holliday II and his struggle to get appropriate care during eleven weeks of continuous hospitalization at five facilities. After his death resulting from complications of kidney cancer on June 17, 2009, she began painting a large mural entitled “73 cents.” This piece can be viewed at 5001 Connecticut Ave. Washington, DC 20008 and depicts the Holliday family’s journey through the medical system during Fred’s cancer care and their desperate attempt to access Fred’s medical record.

The painting became part of the national healthcare debate and was featured on BBC, CNN, CBS, AOL, Voice of America, and the Washington Post.

Regina also speaks at medical conferences providing the patient view in HIT and paints on canvas at medical conferences. She paints the concepts discussed and presents them from a patient’s view. She also began an advocacy movement called “The Walking Gallery.” The Walking Gallery consists of artists, medical providers, technicians, governmental employees, and advocates who wear patient-centered care paintings on the backs of their business suits. These jacket paintings combined with the tools of social media have spread the word about the importance of the patient’s voice in healthcare discussions.

On July 13, 2010, Regina was honored to represent the patient voice during the announcement of stage 1 Meaningful Use measures.