SACME Annual Meeting, March 23, 2026, Lexington, KY.
Speakers:
Jack Kues, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Adrienne Ross, Accreditation Director, University of South Carolina SOM, Columbia, SC
Eleftherios Soleas, PhD, Director, Lifelong Learning and Innovation, Queens University, CA
Reported by Robert D’Antuono, MHA, Editor*
At a milestone 50th anniversary gathering, the session titled “CPD: Past, Present, and Future” invited attendees to pause, reflect, and look ahead. Framed by a spirit of both celebration and critical inquiry, the session featured three distinguished panelists who each explored a different dimension of continuing professional development (CPD): where it has been, where it stands today, and where it may be headed.
Looking Back: Foundations Shaped by Forces Beyond Education
Opening the session, Dr. Jack Kues offered a thoughtful and often humorous reflection on the past. Rather than simply recounting milestones in continuing medical education (CME), he emphasized that CPD has always evolved in response to broader forces—particularly the exponential growth of knowledge, advances in technology, shifts in educational theory, and increasing regulatory expectations.
One of the most striking themes was the knowledge explosion. Dr. Kues illustrated how medical knowledge, once relatively stable, began expanding rapidly after World War II—and today doubles at a staggering pace. This growth made it impossible for clinicians to remain current through traditional means alone, creating an urgent need for structured, ongoing education.
Technology emerged as both a challenge and a solution. From early radio and television broadcasts to online libraries in the 1990s, and eventually interactive, data-driven platforms, CPD has consistently leveraged new tools to extend its reach. At the same time, evolving educational frameworks—from passive lectures to more learner-centered approaches—reshaped how content was delivered.
Equally important was the rise of regulation. What began as voluntary learning gradually became a professional expectation, with licensure requirements and accreditation standards solidifying CPD as an essential component of healthcare practice. As Dr. Kues noted, these intersecting forces—not CPD alone—have driven the field to where it is today.
The Present: A Field in Transformation
Adrienne Ross built on this historical foundation by examining the present state of CPD—a landscape defined by both progress and complexity. She highlighted how the field has moved far beyond its traditional roots in knowledge acquisition and credit accumulation.
Today, CPD is characterized by continuous, lifelong learning that is deeply integrated into clinical practice. Rather than isolated events, educational experiences are increasingly embedded within healthcare systems and aligned with real-world outcomes. Interprofessional collaboration, measurable impact on patient care, and data-informed decision-making are now central to the mission.
Ross also reflected on the evolving role of CPD professionals. Once primarily focused on logistics—planning events and managing attendance—these professionals now serve as educational designers, strategic partners, data analysts, and facilitators of team-based learning. This shift represents a significant elevation in both responsibility and influence.
She identified several key forces shaping the present:
- Information overload, requiring curated and targeted learning
- Time constraints, driving the adoption of microlearning and flexible formats
- Outcome measurement, linking education to performance and patient care
- Clinician well-being, emphasizing efficiency and relevance
- Balancing innovation with accreditation standards
Ultimately, Ross emphasized that CPD is no longer a discrete activity but an ongoing professional journey. The field is not just adapting—it is being redefined.
The Future: An Invitation to Shape What Comes Next
Closing the session, Dr. Eleftherios Soleas offered a forward-looking perspective, framing the future of CPD not as a prediction, but as a choice. His central message was clear: the future is something we actively create through decisions made today.
He identified four major forces that are likely to transform CPD:
- The continuing knowledge explosion, which will demand new approaches to learning
- Artificial intelligence (AI), enabling personalized, adaptive education at scale
- Microlearning, replacing lengthy sessions with brief, focused learning moments
- CPD as onboarding, integrating continuous learning from the very start of a clinician’s career
Dr. Soleas emphasized that traditional models—such as annual conferences—are no longer sufficient in a world where knowledge evolves rapidly. Instead, the future lies in just-in-time, personalized learning delivered at the point of need.
He introduced the concept of an AI-driven learning cycle: assessing knowledge gaps, personalizing content, delivering timely education, and tracking real-world impact. This continuous loop represents a shift from passive participation to active, data-informed learning.
Perhaps most compelling was his vision of microlearning integrated into daily workflows. Rather than dedicating entire days to education, clinicians might engage in brief, meaningful learning moments throughout their day—during rounds, between patients, or over lunch. Supported by technologies like spaced repetition and simulation, this approach promises greater retention and relevance.
A Shared Vision
Together, the three panelists painted a cohesive picture of CPD as a dynamic, evolving field shaped by external forces, internal innovation, and future possibilities. From its historical roots to its present transformation and future potential, one theme remained constant: the need to adapt in order to support clinicians and improve patient care.
As the session concluded and transitioned into discussion and celebration, attendees were left not only with insights, but with a challenge—to actively participate in shaping the future of CPD.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was developed with the assistance of ChatGPT.
