Insights into the role of Practice Educator (PE) — Faitmah Ayoade

The role of a PE is both complex and rewarding in equal measures. You are working with patients, students and clinical colleagues to create the best environment to promote health, learning and patient recovery.  

Students are supervised and mentored by PEs who have an array of experiences built from their many clinical encounters.  

As PE’s, we are present for the safety of the patient and to guide future osteopaths. It almost feels like we are a bridge between two worlds.  

We are present for the safety of the patient and to guide future osteopaths. It almost feels like we are a bridge between two worlds.  

Each day is varied at the University College of Osteopathy Clinic, but the focus is always on ensuring that student osteopaths have the skills and training to succeed within a thriving clinical environment. We are also present to inspire the next generation with finding their place within the healthcare setting.  

We are present to inspire the next generation with finding their place within the healthcare setting.  

With several types of learners in our student cohort, it is important that we also have PE’s that are varied in the way that they learn and how they provide information and guidance to the students.  

PEs have several qualities that lend themselves well to this position including organizational skills, passion for healthcare, creating a supportive environment and a desire to continue scholarly activity. When all of these attributes and more are focused, we can really impact the physical and mental health of both students and patients. 

PEs continue to learn and develop in the role and this is part of why I enjoy the role so much. Our roles are appraised and supported by feedback from both students. Patients and colleagues to ensure we are working to the same standard and providing the best environment to nurture future osteopaths.  

So what does the future of a practice educator look like at the UCO, I hear you ask? Well, it is all of the above and so much more! We are committed to making the world of osteopathy even more accessible to those that haven't had a chance to encounter this form of healthcare. Alongside inspiring the next generation of osteopaths to find their way.