Society for Participatory Medicine

The Society for Participatory Medicine (SPM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the culture of healthcare by fostering partnerships between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Founded in 2009 and inspired by the work of "Doc Tom" Ferguson, the society promotes the concept of "participatory medicine," where patients are active, informed, and equal partners in their care. SPM provides a platform for collaboration through its online community, educational resources, and the peer-reviewed Journal of Participatory Medicine. The organization advocates for policies that empower "e-patients" and supports research into the impact of patient engagement on health outcomes. Its membership includes a diverse group of stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, all working toward a more collaborative and effective healthcare system. Through initiatives like the Collaborative Healthcare Action Measurement Platform (CHAMP), SPM aims to provide tools and evidence to support the adoption of participatory practices across the healthcare industry.