Developing Healthcare Practitioners’ Professional Expertise Through Effective Continuing Education: Commentary

Authors

Caroline Faucher, École d'optométrie, Université de MontréalFollow

Abstract

Development of professional expertise is the transition from novice to expert within a profession through deliberate practice with feedback. While this development is actively stimulated during undergraduate studies, encouraging practicing healthcare professionals to pursue their development towards expertise doesn’t seem as obvious. This commentary briefly describes the development of professional expertise and the possible decline in performance that can occur with time. It then gives insight into the roles of continuing professional education in healthcare practitioners’ acquisition and maintenance of professional expertise.

Author Bio(s)

Caroline Faucher, OD, PhD, FAAO, is an optometrist working as an Associate Professor at the School of Optometry, Université de Montréal. Her current teaching and research interests focus on clinical reasoning, development of professional expertise, and pedagogical issues in health sciences. She is also involved in organizing continuing education activities.

Recommended Citation

Faucher C. Developing Healthcare Practitioners’ Professional Expertise Through Effective Continuing Education: Commentary. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2016 Oct 25;14(4), Article 7.