Public contributor spotlight: Emily’s take

At the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, we work with patient and public contributors across a range of health conditions. But who are they, and what is it like to get involved in research as a member of the public? To find out, read this piece authored by our public contributor Emily Lam.

“You never know what you will get to learn more about, and I really like that.” 

Emily

Since joining the central BRC Public and Patient Advisory Group (PPAG for short), after becoming a member of the Liver and GI PPI group, I have been involved in all sorts of things.

Lately with the Liver & GI PPI group, I have become one of two PPI co-applicants on a Liver Cancer Study grant regarding slowing the progression of a particular cancer.  This study aims to explore if a small dose of an anti-cancer drug, along with nutritional advice, can be safely given to a group of liver cancer patients who currently do not meet the requirements to qualify for treatment, because their liver cancer cannot be resected and they have moderate to severely impaired liver function.  In this study, the trial is randomised, and if successful, patients participating may benefit from a longer remission and they may live longer.  However, this cannot be guaranteed, that is why a clinical trial is needed. Please keep your fingers crossed for a successful funding outcome for this application, and make this a good news story. 

 As a member of the PPAG, I also get to meet (virtually) with people in groups that are involved with various themes across the BRC, which I find interesting.

Lately, I became a ‘public reviewer’ for the Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre on a new award scheme for PPI they have introduced. A public reviewer is someone who provides feedback and suggestions on research proposals from the perspective of the general public. I gave my opinion on an application from a team requesting funding for public involvement in their research and made some suggestions. It was great to learn about a study being developed by another theme (Women’s Metabolic Health theme) and how they value involvement. I recommended whether it should be given funds for its involvement work, and I am hopeful they will receive it.

You never know what you will get to learn more about, and I really like that. 

Are you also interested in getting involved in research? Explore how you can join our community of public contributors.