Explores why continuing veterinary medical education (CVME) programs can play a vital role in supporting the overall strategy of a veterinary college. Discusses the current and future market for CVME programs and strategies for sustainability and synergy. (EV)

Comparison of surveys in 2001 (807 nurses, 111 doctors) and 2002 (1,127 and 201) showed that Internet use and frequency of use for continuing education among both nurses and physicians have been increasing. Low cost or free and easier access would increase usage. (SK)

Four elements of the context of professional practice influence continuing professional education: professional allegiance, nature of professional work, narratives in organizational culture, and level of independence and autonomy. Individual agency and positionality (sociocultural background) should also be considered. (Contains 14 references.)…

Suggests that peer-based learning encourages deep reflection because it fosters contrasting perspectives and generates arguments. Distinguishes between peer learning partnerships and mentoring, examines the process as it applies to professional development, and identifies defining qualities of the peer dynamic. (JOW)

Nurses, physicians, and nursing and medical students (n=291) were surveyed about their awareness of chemical and biological terrorism. Infection control personnel and nurse educators (n=24) were surveyed about terrorism preparation. Fewer than one-quarter of questions were answered correctly, and only about 23% reported confidence in the ability…

Review of professional nursing statements, federal policy, and recommendations for protection of human research subjects resulted in a topic and content outline for research ethics training for nurses. Suggestions for continuing education programs on research ethics were formulated. (SK)

A study to assess the learning styles of 165 athletic trainers (44 percent response) found that most preferred kinesthetic learning (60 percent); were independent learners (63 percent); preferred written to oral examinations (58 percent); and spent most of their study time in a reading mode (72 percent). (Author/JOW)

The former Surgeon General of the United States stresses the importance of continuing medical education to the quality of health care in the nation. (JOW)

Three experienced and eight novice physicians were asked to solve three problems. Results indicated that the ability to incorporate contextual information contributed to effective solutions. Experienced physicians tended to use more inclusive approaches, although both groups demonstrated premature diagnostic bias. (SK)

Continuing professional education has evolved from a focus on technical competence to a broader view of reflective practice. An example from pharmacy demonstrates ways to fulfill the leadership challenge of rethinking the role of the professional via active learning. (SK)

The concept of self-directed learning is examined from five vantage points: definition, importance, categories, characteristics of learners and activities, and implications for continuing medical education and program planning. (SK)

The National Extension Leadership Development Program offers leadership development seminars to personnel in the Cooperative Extension System. It provides the impetus and structure for interns to tackle learning the things they do not know. Follow-up to seminars includes working with an advisor and participating in small groups. (JOW)

The purpose of the Nebraska University Program for Renewal of Faculty is to foster systematic, planned change benefiting the individual and the institution. Penn State and Harvard Universities initiated the Leadership Institute for Continuing Professional Education to enable participants to discuss issues common to professional continuing…

Interviews with 18 New Zealand family physicians determined the changes they had made to their continuing education because of a compulsory recertification program. A majority had increased the amount of time spent in education, and there were changes in the type of educational activities selected: either a wider range or more focus on particular…

The use of listservs in continuing professional education provides a method that supports learning. In addition to the advantages of the democracy of the Internet, international programs provide vehicles for stimulation of new ideas and global concerns. (JOW)