Public Involvement in Medical Education

The University of Exeter Medical School is committed to ensuring that the education of future healthcare professionals meets the needs and expectations of society.

We want to continue to improve our consultation and engagement with our local population about the undergraduate education of doctors, healthcare professionals and scientists. Our involvement in the educational provision will benefit students, the faculty and the public by promoting learning that is authentic and person-centered.

PIME operates as independent critical friends of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. We interact positively with staff and students and support and mentor each other. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Public involvement events

Do you want to help ensure tomorrow’s doctors, healthcare professionals and scientists are the best that they can be?
Do you feel able to share your views, work well with others and make rational judgements?

If so, the University of Exeter Medical School needs you! Contact us at PIME@exeter.ac.uk if you want to get involved.

What do we do?

The group is made up of members of the public. PIME members take part in a wide range of activities across a wide range of different degree programmes. These include:

selecting which applicants are chosen to study
supporting the teaching and assessment of students
developing the content of courses
involvement in the governance of degree programmes
engaging with the local community
networking with other public involvement groups

What do current members enjoy about being involved in PIME?

Meeting new people – including other PIME members, university staff and (most importantly) students
Being part of a well focused and friendly team and engaging in discussion and debate
Feeling that my contributions are valued
Knowing that my own voice as e.g. a patient, ex-carer and mother really has a value
Speaking to prospective students and hearing their enthusiasm to become doctors, radiographers or scientists. It gives you great hope for the future of healthcare

How to get involved

We currently have a vacancy for on the PIME steering group. We hope you will be interested in joining us. Please read the information below to find out more about the role and how to apply.

Is this for you?

You do not need any background in education, medicine, or science. We are looking for a wide range of life experiences and perspectives to ensure we are meeting our commitment to training outstanding, socially accountable doctors, healthcare professionals and scientists. We are looking for people with general skills including being able to share your views, work effectively alongside others and being able to make rational judgements.

Within the steering group there are a range of activities that members can take part in. Many of these are online only. Others will require travel to our Exeter or Truro campuses to work with staff and students in person. We can tailor your involvement to suit your needs and interests.

The only requirement is that you must be aged 18 or over.

Terms of appointment

It is expected that you will spend seven days a year working either on projects or attending meetings. Appointment is for one year initially, renewable for an additional three years. You will receive training and support in the role. Payment for any work carried out will be made with an honorarium fee plus expenses provided.

Application process

Please submit an expression of interest describing why you would like the role (400 words maximum). There is no deadline for the application. Candidates will be considered at the time their application. Please note though that we may not always have spaces available on the group. Selection will be based on your written statement and may be followed by a short telephone or online discussion. Adjustments can be made if you are unable to apply in writing. To apply or for more information please contact Dr Hannah Welters at h.j.welters@exeter.ac.uk or on 01392 726361.

If you do not wish to become a group member at this time but would like to remain in touch, please send your contact details to the Administrator Helen Thomas at PIME@exeter.ac.uk or on 01392 687244.

Contact us

Helen Thomas

Administrator
H.E.C.Thomas@exeter.ac.uk
01392 687244

Dr Hannah Welters

Academic Lead
h.j.welters@exeter.ac.uk
01392 726361

As a medical student who will one day be working as a doctor in the NHS, I think it's vital that we work with the public to develop the expectations they have of doctors and the NHS.

I will be doing a Masters in clinical education and so I jumped at the chance to be involved in the Public Involvement Group, so that I could understand what the public’s perception of knowledge for a doctor is. By doing this, I think this is another way Exeter can make the best prepared doctors possible.