BMJ  2008;336:667-669 (22 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39434.601690.AD

Practice

The Competent Novice

Lifelong learning at work

P W Teunissen, medical education researcher and junior doctor1, Tim Dornan, professor of medical education2

1 Institute for Medical Education, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2 University of Manchester Medical School, Manchester M13 9PT

Correspondence to: P W Teunissen pwteunissen@gmail.com

The importance of lifelong learning in medicine is well recognised. This article explores how junior doctors can develop learning strategies for use throughout their working life

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.


Key points

Lifelong learning is a process of continuously scrutinising and building on your practice to be the best doctor you can be
Always have three questions in your mind: where am I going? how am I getting on? where to next?
Use electronic tools that provide filtered information at the point of care because you cannot hope to stay up to date on everything
Keep a learning portfolio so that you can see how you have already developed and how you can develop in the future
Keep your learning efforts alive by discussing them with your peers and supervisors


Most doctors are aware of the aphorism that learning should continue from the cradle to the grave. However, medical school does not prepare anyone fully for the responsibilities, long hours, and challenging tasks that qualification brings.1 2 The fittest survive by learning from their practice, whereas those who do not continue to learn . . . [Full text of this article]

Lifelong learning: how best to do it


Learn in the workplace
Be in charge
Seek input from others
Directions for feedback
Use evidence at the point of care
Stay on track

What are the challenges?



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