Mary Lynne van Poelgeest, a tireless champion for those affected by incontinence and associated conditions, has been awarded the 2025 EAU Patient Advocacy Medal of Excellence. Presented by the European Association of Urology (EAU), the award recognises her outstanding commitment to raising awareness, driving change, and representing patients and their families on a global scale.
Established in 2023, the EAU Patient Advocacy Medal of Excellence honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to patient advocacy within urology. It shines a light on those working to ensure the patient voice is integrated into clinical research, healthcare policies, and treatment practices.
Mary Lynne, President of the World Federation of Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP), brings decades of experience and leadership in patient engagement. Diagnosed more than 30 years ago with two rare autoimmune conditions, her personal health journey became the catalyst for a lifelong mission: to advocate for better care, visibility, and rights for patients living with incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.
Over the years, she has held key roles including Co-Chair of the European Health Coalition, Vice-Chair of the European Forum for Good Clinical Practice (EFGCP), and active membership in the European Patients’ Forum. Her involvement in the EAU spans numerous advisory and committee roles, including within the EAU Patient Office and guidelines committees on Chronic Pelvic Pain and Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS).
Upon receiving the award, Mary Lynne shared:
“For the first time in my life as a patient advocate and of course on behalf of WFIPP, I have been honoured to be awarded the EAU Medal of Excellence for our work to raise awareness of incontinence and associated conditions and to lobby for the needs of patients and their families across the globe.
I am truly humbled and delighted and would just like to say that patience, perseverance and persistence does pay off – however long it takes.
This is exactly what the EU Health Coalition is doing through its objectives and recommendations. This is a true collaboration of minds and organisations and why I cherish being a member of the Coalition. My message therefore for tomorrow.”
Mary Lynne’s advocacy extends beyond policy and research into deeply personal realms – from mentoring her daughter in music to her weekly role as a loving grandmother. Whether leading international initiatives or caring for her family, she brings the same determination and compassion to everything she does.
Her recognition by the EAU is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have in shaping a better, more inclusive healthcare landscape for all.
