How can physicians continue their education after formal training?

2 Peer networks

Another way to continue your education is to join or create peer networks with other physicians who share your specialty, practice setting, or learning objectives. Peer networks can provide you with opportunities to exchange ideas, insights, feedback, and experiences with your colleagues. You can also learn from each other's challenges, successes, and best practices. Peer networks can take various forms, such as online forums, social media groups, chat rooms, or email lists. You can also participate in more formal peer networks, such as mentoring programs, peer review groups, or quality improvement teams.

3 Self-directed learning

A third way to continue your education is to engage in self-directed learning activities that suit your preferences, schedule, and learning style. Self-directed learning allows you to set your own goals, choose your own resources, and monitor your own progress. You can use various tools and strategies to facilitate your self-directed learning, such as reading books, articles, or blogs, watching videos or documentaries, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, or using apps or software. You can also create your own learning plan, schedule, and portfolio to track your learning outcomes and achievements.

4 Clinical practice

A fourth way to continue your education is to apply your learning to your clinical practice and reflect on your performance and outcomes. Clinical practice is a rich source of learning opportunities, as you encounter diverse and complex cases, situations, and patients. You can use your clinical practice to test your knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You can also use your clinical practice to seek feedback from your patients, peers, supervisors, or mentors, and incorporate their suggestions into your practice.

5 Research projects

A fifth way to continue your education is to initiate or participate in research projects that are related to your specialty, interests, or questions. Research projects can help you expand your knowledge base, enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and contribute to the advancement of your field. You can also use research projects to collaborate with other researchers, practitioners, or stakeholders, and disseminate your findings and implications. You can find research projects that are suitable for your level of experience, time commitment, and resources through various channels, such as academic institutions, medical journals, or online databases.

6 Professional development

A sixth way to continue your education is to pursue professional development opportunities that can help you grow your career, network, and leadership. Professional development opportunities can include attending or presenting at conferences, workshops, or seminars, joining or leading committees, boards, or task forces, applying for awards, grants, or fellowships, or enrolling in advanced degrees, certificates, or diplomas. You can find professional development opportunities that align with your career goals, aspirations, and values through various sources, such as your employer, professional associations, or online platforms.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?