Patient and Public Involvement in Medical Education

PPIME (Patient and Public Involvement in Medical Education) brings members of the public into medical education as independent, constructive partners. Members work collaboratively and with staff and students, contributing to a culture that values equality, diversity, and inclusion and which offers insights, support and constructive challenge.

PPIME plays a key role in ensuring patient and public voices are reflected in decision-making, supporting high standards of education and a shared commitment to patient safety. Working within General Medical Council requirements PPIME members support staff in their work by:

• Helping select future students
• Supporting teaching and student assessment
• Contributing to course design and development
• Taking part in programme governance
• Being part of networks within the University and the wider community

PPIME members say of their work:

• ‘The NHS says the patient will be at the heart of everything the NHS does so it makes sense for me to be involved in training our future doctors’
• ‘I can bring knowledge and experience from my life or career to medical education, and I learn in return: it’s a two-way process’
• ‘The lay person’s input is valued by staff and students which is rewarding: students in particular value the opportunity to interact with a member of the public’
• ‘I can make a meaningful difference bringing the public/patient perspective into discussions’

The General Medical Council has commended the strong links between the Medical School and the wider community through PPIME. 

PPIME members come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring valuable lived experience as patients and members of the public, helping students develop essential professional skills and understanding.

We occasionally have spaces in our team and so would welcome people from all backgrounds with no prior medical knowledge or experience. If you are interested in working with others to help shape future healthcare education, we would be delighted to hear from you.

• Time commitment: around 7 days per year
• What we offer: training, modest payment for involvement, and reimbursement of expenses

To find out more or express your interest, please contact PIME@exeter.ac.uk