Mandatory continuing education in the medical profession has had a profound influence, both positive and negative, on informal learning, accrediting of delivery systems, and program planning. (SK)

Current controversies regarding physician competency and a growing concern about the rapid obsolescence of medical knowledge are factors in a movement to require physicians to participate in continuing medical education. If programs become mandatory, educators should apply their skills and knowledge of adult learning in developing programs.…

Three proposals developed from concerns in the 1960s about the effectiveness of continuing medical education are discussed: a national plan, a process program model based on identified physician needs, and use of mandatory continuing education in relicensing/recertification. Problems are considered, and recommendations for changes are summarized.…