A Learning Model to Foster Continuous Professional Development

Abstract

Early medical school education consisted of learner observations of medical procedures and observations of medical personnel, but this approach was not found to be effective nor was it comprehensive. In modern medical education, characteristics, experiences, and modeling are integrated. With the shift of medical institutions to support learner-centered learning and the use of more modern teaching methodologies, post-medical school education must follow in the shift from CME to CPE. Medical students and physicians alike can reflect on learning styles and current skills to address ongoing development and education. This chapter will first outline learning styles and their relevance to CPE; this allows self-directed learning and development based on personal reflection. Furthermore, the authors discuss reflection, its role in learning, and how it can be used to guide CPE. Finally, the role of peer feedback in learning and the importance of physician competence on peer feedback will be discussed.