PCPC Spotlight Member: Josh Paxton

My name is Josh Paxton, and I’m honored to serve on The Beryl Institute’s Global Patient and Family Advisory Board. I’m a proud husband of 22 years and a father to three wonderful kids—two currently navigating college life and one thriving in middle school. I’m a native Iowan, born and raised in the resort community of Okoboji. These days, I call Iowa City home, where I live and work at University of Iowa Health Care.

A Personal Journey into Patient Experience

My path into the world of patient experience wasn’t a professional decision at first—it was a personal one. My family has had countless touchpoints with the healthcare system. My wife has lived with autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, arthritis, and lupus for most of her life. She’s a two-time kidney transplant recipient and a cancer survivor. All three of our children began life in the NICU, and both of my sons live with a genetic retinal condition.

Through all of these experiences, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact of compassionate care. I can recall so many moments—big and small—when someone in the healthcare system went out of their way to show us empathy, kindness, and humanity. From valets to surgeons, people showed up for us when we needed it most. Those moments weren’t just comforting—they were life-changing.

It was those experiences that inspired me to change careers and dedicate myself to the field of patient experience. It’s not just a job for me—it’s a calling. I want to help ensure that every patient and family feels seen, heard, and cared for, just as my family has.

Looking Ahead: Elevating the Role of Patient Experience

As I look to the future of healthcare, my hope is that patient experience will be viewed with the same level of importance as quality and safety. It should be seen not as a “nice to have,” but as a critical pillar of every healthcare system’s mission. Patient experience isn’t just about satisfaction scores—it’s about trust, dignity, and the human connection at the heart of healing.

I want to see a future where everyone in healthcare, from leadership to frontline staff, is aligned in the belief that the patient is always at the center of what we do. When we prioritize the patient’s voice, we create systems that are not only more compassionate, but also more effective and sustainable.

Why I Do This Work

At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: every patient deserves the best possible experience, no matter what their circumstances. That belief isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s an obligation. I remind myself of that every single day.

I do this work to help ensure that when people are at their most vulnerable, they’re met with compassion, dignity, and support. If I can help someone feel seen, heard, and cared for during a difficult time, then I know I’m doing good work. That’s what drives me, and that’s why I’m here.