Formal medical education may end after fellowship, but gastroenterologists can continue to learn and improve their day-to-day practice.
Ask a Gastroenterologist is a weekly series of questions posed to GI physicians around the country on business and clinical issues affecting the field of gastroenterology. We invite all gastroenterologists to submit responses.
Next week's question: What do you hope will be the next great innovation in the GI field?
Please submit responses to Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, July 1, at 5 p.m. CST.
Larry Good, MD, FACG, founder, CEO Good Pharmaceutical Development, CEO, Compassionate Care Center of New York: Experienced gastroenterologists can continue to learn and improve their skills in several ways.
One, they can interact with their younger colleagues, who often are exposed to advanced endoscopic techniques during their training. This can be a valuable experience for both physicians.
Two, they must be committed to journal reading and attending national and regional meetings. The growth of medical knowledge is incremental and attending such meetings allows physicians to examine new data, procedures and treatments as they develop.
Thirdly, getting involved in teaching and clinical research is of foremost importance. Preparing lectures, responding to questions and expanding one’s horizons by participating in or initiating clinical research projects creates an environment of critical thinking and expanding horizons.
Continuing medical education is a lifelong challenge that should be embraced by all physicians. It is an integral part of their professional responsibilities.