Patients are becoming more important as teachers in medical training

Rather than being passive participants in medical training, patients are assuming an increasingly active role in the education of doctors. In their systematic review of literature since 1970, Wykurz and Kelly (p 818) show the diversity of roles and settings in which patients teach medical students, doctors, and other patients. Patients' unique perspective as users of health services can enable learners to gain new insights and understanding, which improves their medical practice. Some learners preferred to be taught by trained patients rather than by doctors. With appropriate training and remuneration, patients can make a valuable contribution to medical education.