Consumers represent the collective views of survivors, patients, family members, and persons affected by and at risk for certain conditions, diseases or injuries. They read and evaluate research study applications for relevance to the consumer community's needs and concerns and actively participate in peer review panel discussions. They participate as a full member of the review panel, with full voting member status.
Life as a Consumer Reviewer
![Image of Paper and Pen](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120913075320im_/http://cdmrp.army.mil/images/Big_Icons/CI_PaperPen_BigIcon.jpg)
- You will be assigned to a peer review panel based on upcoming peer review dates and your availability. Novice consumer reviewers are generally paired with mentors, who along with staff will assist you through the entire process.
![Image of A Person Reading](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120913075320im_/http://cdmrp.army.mil/images/Big_Icons/CI_PersonReading_BigIcon.jpg)
- Several weeks prior to the peer review meeting, you will electronically receive a number of applications to read and evaluate. For each assigned application you will prepare written critiques on how the proposed research addresses the consumer community's needs and concerns. These applications are written at a scientific level and may require some background reading (FAQ - resources).
![Image of People Standing](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120913075320im_/http://cdmrp.army.mil/images/Big_Icons/CI_Group_BigIcon.jpg)
- Travel, accommodations and meals are provided for all reviewers. Reviewers are usually eligible for honoraria. Meetings usually last up to three days and take place in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
![Image of People in Meeting](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120913075320im_/http://cdmrp.army.mil/images/Big_Icons/CI_Group2_BigIcon.jpg)
- After attending a consumer orientation, you will sit on a peer review panel at the peer review meeting, consisting of several consumer reviewers and a number of scientists and clinician reviewers, usually numbering 16 to 20 members. You will present your views, and participate in discussion of applications.