Online Continuing Education for Physicians: Distance Learning Options

Physicians seeking continuing education and professional development alternatives have many online options available through professional medical associations and medical schools that enable educational credits to be obtained in a convenient online environment.

Continuing Education and Professional Development Alternatives

Continuing education is essential to continuing physician development, and is required for maintaining physician licensure in many U.S. states. Physicians may elect to participate in a number of professional activities and training programs designed to enhance knowledge and refine job related skills, including topics in current health policy, medical ethics and legal issues.
Respected professional medical associations offer standardized credits in return for participation in sanctioned continuing education activities that are used to meet state requirements for continuing education. These associations provide guidelines detailing acceptable activities and education providers. A few examples of accepted education and professional development tasks include:

• Teaching
• Medical Writing
• Research
• Preceptorships
• Conference Participation

Some activities, such as conference participation, are designed to be completed in person. However, online educational opportunities are available for physicians who face logistical challenges that make it difficult to participate in on-site activities.

Online Education and Professional Development Alternatives

Accredited medical schools offer virtual clinics designed to provide attendees with an opportunity to receive evidence-based information on diagnosis and treatment related to specific medical scenarios. Current legal and ethical industry issues are also covered. Content may be provided online via slides, text, case studies and even podcasts. Supplemental reading material may also be included.
Some programs require that physicians complete tests at the end of a unit to earn credit. In addition to virtual clinics, computer-based training may be available to address the many legal and regulatory issues that impact physicians and other members of the medical community. Sample online training opportunities may include:

• Pulmonary Health
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• E-Prescribing Regulations
• Medical Ethics (including HIPAA and physician gifts)
• Pediatrics
• Professional Development
• Women's Health