Dr Nick Cooper from the University of Plymouth has been elected as the next President of the Academy of Medical Educators (AoME).

Dr Cooper is an Associate Professor in Clinical Education at the University’s Peninsula Medical School and has been involved in the Academy for many years, most recently as Lead Assessor and as Chair of the Membership Committee. 

The AoME was established in 2006 and is the professional organisation for all those involved in the training and education of doctors, physician associates, dentists, and veterinary surgeons in the UK.  

It sets the standards that medical educators should achieve at each point in their careers. These standards provide a recognised framework for professionals to demonstrate expertise in medical education through accreditation as a medical teacher. Recognition by AoME demonstrates skills and competence when applying for revalidation, promotion, and approval as a trainer.   

Dr Cooper, who will take up his post in spring 2023, said: 

“As a Fellow of The Academy since its inception I consider it a great honour to be elected President and would like to thank Fellows and Members for this opportunity. During the coming months I will work closely with Jacky, our current President, to ensure a smooth transition.”

Serving President, Professor Jacky Hayden, added: 

“I am delighted that Dr Nick Cooper, Associate Professor for Clinical Education at the University of Plymouth, has been elected as the next President of the Academy of Medical Educators. He will take up office in April 2023.“Nick is well known to many of our Members and Fellows. He has chaired the Membership Committee for the past six years and has overseen considerable growth in our membership. He is also our lead assessor ensuring that our processes for including new Members and Fellows are robust and fair. Most recently, he led the work which is enabling graduates of formal educator development programmes, accredited by the Academy, to become Members on completing their programme. “Nick has a wealth of experience in medical education and has taken a key national role in supporting and developing programmes for physician associates.”  

Dr Cooper was Programme Lead for masters programmes in Clinical Education from the original Peninsula Medical School in 2002 through to 2014. He subsequently set up the Physician Associate (PA) programme in Plymouth and was Chair of PA Schools Council from 2018 to 2021.