Summary of the Barbara Barnes Keynote Address by Sanjeev Sockalingam, MD at the SACME Annual Meeting, March 23, 2026, Lexington, KY.
Reported by Robert D’Antuono, MHA, Editor*
At the 2026 SACME Annual Meeting, Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam delivered a forward-looking and reflective keynote that traced the evolution of continuing professional development (CPD) while charting a bold path toward its future. Framed through the metaphor of “Back to the Future,” the address invited attendees to examine where the field has been, where it stands today, and where it must go next in an increasingly data-rich and technology-enabled environment.
Dr. Sockalingam began by acknowledging the foundational work that has shaped CPD over the past several decades. The transition from traditional continuing medical education (CME) to more longitudinal, outcomes-oriented CPD models has been driven by a growing recognition that education must be closely tied to clinical practice and patient outcomes. While earlier approaches emphasized self-assessment, he noted their inherent limitations—particularly clinicians’ difficulty in accurately identifying their own learning gaps. This realization has fueled a shift toward more structured, data-informed approaches to lifelong learning.
Central to the keynote was the concept of data-informed learning, which leverages performance data—ranging from clinical outcomes and peer feedback to system-level metrics—to identify gaps, guide educational interventions, and assess impact. However, Dr. Sockalingam emphasized that the integration of data into CPD is not without challenges. Barriers such as limited infrastructure, insufficient time for reflection, and concerns about data privacy and trust continue to impede progress. Overcoming these obstacles will require not only technological solutions but also a cultural transformation within organizations, fostering transparency, collaboration, and shared ownership of data.
The keynote highlighted the Master Adaptive Learner framework as a critical model for the future of CPD. This approach integrates planning, learning, and assessment into a continuous cycle, enabling clinicians to adapt effectively in complex and evolving practice environments. At its core is the concept of adaptive expertise—the ability to balance foundational knowledge with innovation and problem-solving in the face of new challenges.
Importantly, Dr. Sockalingam underscored the need to align CPD with broader healthcare systems and quality improvement efforts. Education cannot occur in isolation; it must be embedded within organizational structures that support data access, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement. Programs such as Project ECHO were highlighted as exemplars of this integration, demonstrating how case-based, community-driven learning can effectively translate knowledge into practice across diverse and often underserved settings.
Looking ahead, the keynote turned to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The field, Dr. Sockalingam argued, is moving from data-informed to AI-informed learning, where advanced technologies can enhance gap analysis, personalize learning pathways, and support real-time clinical decision-making. Yet, as with earlier efforts to integrate quality improvement and data systems, success will depend on building trust, ensuring ethical use, and preparing educators and learners to engage meaningfully with these tools.
In closing, Dr. Sockalingam emphasized that the future of CPD will not be defined by technology alone. Rather, it will be shaped by the field’s ability to:
- cultivate adaptive learners,
- foster collaborative cultures, and
- harness data and AI in ways that ultimately improve patient care.
His message was clear: by learning from the past and embracing innovation, the CPD community is well positioned to lead the next era of healthcare education.
About our Keynote Speaker…
Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam is a Canadian psychiatrist, medical educator, and researcher based in Toronto. He serves as Vice President of Education and Interim Physician-in-Chief at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and is Vice-Chair for Education and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He is also the Scientific Director of Obesity Canada. His work integrates psychiatry, medical education, and health systems innovation to expand access to quality mental health and obesity care.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT.
