Developing Lifelong Learners

Abstract

Medical school education is but the beginning of a career as a physician. Although learning a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills is expected while a medical student, probably the most important skill required of a new physician is the ability and desire to continue to learn. With the exponential increase in scientific discoveries, the changing environment with its effects on organism mutation, and global “one health,” the future physician must be equipped to handle whatever new diseases develop and apply future therapeutics effectively.

Emphasizing active learning, this chapter will present examples of active teaching and learning methods that use the principles of adult and lifelong learning. The principles of adult learning which include curiosity, the desire to learn, learning by doing, and focusing on problems will be discussed. Recognizing what one does not know but has a need to know and practicing how to integrate “new learning” into the care of patients, the teaching of students, or the development of a research study form the skill base for lifelong learning and successful future physicians. Suggestions for the development of these skills throughout the education continuum will be presented.