ABSTRACT

This chapter presents the variety of learning methods that doctors can and do use to address their continuing professional development (CPD) learning needs and wants and discusses some of the very many ways in which doctors actually continue to learn. Learning in a profession is quite unlike any other kind of learning. Doctors live in a rich learning environment, constantly involved in and surrounded by professional interaction and conversation, educational events, information and feedback. The identification of 'approved' methods of learning on the basis of which a doctor can acquire CPD credits is also based on wrong assumptions. Academic activities are all learning experiences, drawing on and extending doctors' knowledge; involving study, evaluation and discussion of other people's contributions, and the coming together or revision of their own ideas. Of necessity, writing a research paper involves literature review, keeping up to date with research methods, data analysis and reaching conclusions.