Through collaboration with FAIMER and Keele University, HEE NE has developed as a European Centre for FAIMER.

FAIMER is the Foundation for International Medical Education and Research and is a non- profit organisation committed to improving world health through education: www.faimer.org 

The FAIMER Distance Learning programme offers individuals the opportunity to receive advanced training in all aspects of health professions education. Educators in medicine, nursing, dentistry and other health professions can acquire the knowledge and skills to advance health professions education at their institutions to the highest international standards.

Update May 2019: PLEASE NOTE that the applications process for doctors in training to apply to be part of the next Y1 cohort (commencing September 2019) is now open. The deadline for applications is 17:00HRS on 1 July 2019. This opportunity to apply will be emailed on 20/5/19 to all current doctors in training within HEE NE who are CT1/ST1 and higher. At present, FP doctors are not eligible to apply.

A video has recently been created to explain what the HEE NE-FAIMER-Keele Distance Learning Programme is about and what to expect for doctors in training thinking of applying:

Please view the flyer and download and submit the application form and email to  Susan.Mcintyre@hee.nhs.uk  by the deadline.

The HEE NE-FAIMER-Keele collaboration came to fruition as part of HEE NE’s ongoing work looking to develop excellent clinical trainers and encourage international opportunities to develop its reputation. As a result of funding from HEE NE, a modular, distance learning programme commenced for the benefit of doctors in training and patients in the region and beyond.  Participants are registered with Keele University to attain their degree.  This programme has enabled HEE NE to develop as a European centre for FAIMER.

The quality assurance is rigorous with regular reports written for the Keele Exam Board and External Examiner. The course materials were written by 120 different authors who are experts in their fields, before being put into distance learning style to ensure active learning and engagement.

Following an annual applications process, doctors in training from across the HEE NE region are accepted onto the Distance Learning course whilst continuing their training. September 2018 saw the start of our third Year 1 FAIMER cohort, which brings our total to 79 for the number of local doctors in training who have now achieved or are actively undertaking the Y1 Certificate since the arrangement began in 2016. In addition, we have 27 trainees who have moved on successfully from Y1 and have now either completed or are studying for their Y2 Diploma. We also currently have two individuals who are undertaking the Y3 Masters.

We are delighted with the achievements of these local doctors in training which can only be excellent for both Medical Education and the region.

For enquiries please contact Gemma.Crackett@hee.nhs.uk (Senior Business Manager).