# @milesformigraine on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhepkGGr_W
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/64677812-milesformigraine-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fd9c491132.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-24T17:39:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Miles for Migraine (@milesformigraine) — https://gondola.cc/milesformigraine

## Caption

Advocacy Through Research: Expanding Access, Education and Hope by Dr. Derek Pyland

“I became involved in research as a Headache Medicine Fellow, seeing it more than an academic pursuit, but as a form of advocacy. Research allows us to explore new ways to improve care, close knowledge gaps, and spread information about what we already know—especially for conditions that are misunderstood or stigmatized. With research ranging from laboratory science to behavioral interventions, I believe it’s important to lean into projects that align with personal strengths and passions, given it’s also an additional demand on top of regular clinical responsibilities. For me, that passion is patient education.

My mentor recognized how much I enjoyed helping patients understand their migraines and connected me with a project focused on large-scale patient education. Office visits are often packed with diagnostic and treatment priorities, leaving little time to address the kinds of validating, empowering education that can change how patients relate to their condition. In my research, I get to deliver this information outside of the four walls of the clinic—reaching people beyond my own patient panel, and potentially helping many who might not otherwise receive this support.

In this way, my research becomes a tool for health equity and awareness. It’s about advocating for a better patient experience, greater access to credible information, and more compassionate care models. Until we have a cure for head and facial pain, research offers not only hope for future breakthroughs, but also immediate ways to expand our therapeutic toolbox and make a difference now. To me, that’s what advocacy looks like: using every opportunity—including research—to amplify patient voices and improve their quality of life.” 

- Derek Pyland, MD

#MigraineAdvocate

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migraineadvocate

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