The Development of the Obligatory Education and Certification Programme of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: A practical response to the increasing challenges of a modern society

Abstract

A career in medicine should involve a commitment to a lifetime of learning. Rapid advances in medical knowledge, as well as the increasing knowledge and sophistication of consumers, make this commitment more important than ever before. The establishment of a new Specialist College in Australia in 1979 provided the opportunity to frame Articles which made this commitment obligatory for those who wished to continue as Fellows in the new College. The implementation of this philosophy called for a wide ranging involvement of all obstetricians joining the College, to ensure that the final form of the programme would reflect their collective views on the major issues raised by obligatory Continuing Medical Education. The development of this programme could serve as a model for other Specialist Colleges facing this increasingly important issue.

Attitudes to recertification measured over time using a validated semantic differential scale

“…It is generally thought that initial acceptance of a recertification programme depends on how well the programme was marketed to members and the degree to which members were involved in the design of the programme 2 . 16 …”

Continuing education for cytotechnologists: the Australian experience

“…A comprehensive evaluation of other national and international CME schemes was undertaken to determine whether any of these programmes could be modified for the Australian situation. This evaluation included review of programs offered by colleges and special societies not involved in the practise of cytology 6 , 7 .…”

Continuing medical education

“…Consultants, Associate Specialists and Staff Grades) should be time limited, with recertification contingent on the acquisition over a five year cycle of a specified number of CME credits. This is a process similar to that which has been operational in the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since its institution in 1978 (Hewson 1989; Gabb 1990, 1991b). Whatever new method of recertification is adopted, it is essential that the process ultimately improves patient care, inculcates lifelong learning and is credible to the general public (Benson 1991).…”