Bil Schmidtknecht – Speaking Engagements
“Breathing Isn’t an Option.”
Turning tragedy into purpose — and purpose into change.
About Bil
When Bil Schmidtknecht lost his son Cole to a preventable asthma attack caused by a pharmacy benefit manager’s denial of medication, he turned heartbreak into national advocacy.
Today, Bil is one of the nation’s most recognized voices for healthcare transparency and PBM reform, inspiring audiences to fight for patient-centered change and accountability.
A former sales and leadership executive turned reformer, Bil blends deep industry insight with raw humanity. His storytelling connects policy and compassion—empowering audiences to act,Ab advocate, and lead change in their own communities.
Signature Keynotes
1. Breathing Isn’t an Option
Bil’s most requested keynote. The deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and advocacy that began with one tragedy—and grew into a national movement to protect patients everywhere. A heartfelt and motivating talk on purpose through pain and turning grief into reform.
2. From Policy to People
True healthcare reform doesn’t start in boardrooms or political chambers—it starts with human stories. Bil shows how real-life patient experiences can ignite national reform and create unity across divided systems.
3. The Power of Advocacy in a Broken System
An empowering and action-driven talk that challenges audiences to become advocates for change. Bil lays out the roadmap for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to use their voices to fix a healthcare system that has lost sight of its purpose.
Recognition, Roles & Affiliations
• National Healthcare Advocate of the Year (2025)
• Patients Rising Fierce Advocate Award
• Most Influential in Pharmacy (2024)
• Co-Producer, Modern Medical Mafia Docuseries
• Featured Speaker & Partner: NCPA • Patients Rising • Prescryptive Health • Pharmacy Podcast Network
• Patient Senator, Wisconsin — Senate Leader for Patients Rising Wisconsin
Watch Bil in Action
“When we give patients a voice, we don’t just change policy — we save lives.”
Book Bil to Speak
Ready to bring a powerful, mission-driven voice to your event? Bil customizes each talk to match your audience—whether you’re a healthcare organization, legislative body, or corporate leadership group seeking to inspire change.
📧 [email protected]🌐 www.PatientProtector.us🔗 LinkedIn: Bil SchmidtknechtContact Us
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