{"id":6786,"date":"2019-12-01T00:00:41","date_gmt":"2019-12-01T08:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=6786"},"modified":"2023-10-02T23:38:02","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T23:38:02","slug":"always-be-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/always-be-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Always Be Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

The continuing education myth is the fallacy that attending CE events keeps veterinary professionals current with contemporary standards of practice. Remember when your professor told you that half of everything you learn today will be obsolete in five years? Man, was she right!<\/p>\n

Lifelong learners, that\u2019s what we all aspire to be. In fact, we swore in our Veterinarian\u2019s Oath<\/a>, \u201cI accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.\u201d The Veterinary Technician\u2019s Oath is perhaps even more powerful: \u201cI accept my obligations to practice my\u00a0profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession\u2019s code of ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lifelong learning is about creating and maintaining a positive attitude on learning for both personal and professional development.<\/p>\n

How, Where and What?<\/h3>\n

When I served as a member and chairman of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board, I and the board were accountable to the animal-owning consumers of our state. Consumers want assurances that the veterinarians and nurses who care for their animals are up to date and practicing at or above a minimum standard.<\/p>\n

So, how can boards in good faith let the public know that the veterinary professionals in their state are lifelong learners and equipped to provide contemporary knowledge and skills? Answer: By mandating that licensees complete a set amount of periodic, approved continuing education<\/a>. Makes sense, right? But consider this: How is most approved CE delivered,\u00a0where is most CE delivered and what CE do most veterinarians attend? I\u2019ll explain.<\/p>\n

1. How<\/span><\/h3>\n

Arguably, the worst adult learning modality is CE that takes place in a dark room, lasts 50-plus minutes and is delivered in a series of PowerPoints. \u201cDeath by PowerPoint,\u201d as the saying goes. Quick, try to recall the last three traditional, dark room, hard chair, sage on the stage, PowerPoint lectures you attended. Do you remember the topics? Did your attendance up your practice game? I suspect not.<\/p>\n

2. Where<\/span><\/h3>\n

CE is frequently offered in cool places like casinos, cruise ships, resorts and sunny destinations. Did you attend all the CE for which you registered? Did you split your time and brain between a few lectures and the pool, golf course, slot machine, beach or your favorite pastime? Color me guilty.<\/p>\n

3. What<\/span><\/h3>\n

What CE did you attend? A handful of topics fascinates me; I can\u2019t get enough. I attend lectures catering to my strengths and passions. What I don\u2019t attend are the topics I\u2019m not so interested in, and as a result, not so good at. Hmm? Maybe I should attend a few lectures and labs that address my weaknesses?<\/p>\n

A Growth Mindset<\/h3>\n

We\u2019re all born with a passion for learning that for many of us sadly fades over time. School and the performance pressure that comes with it likely robs us of some of the joy of learning. Regardless, many people fall into the rut of sticking to what they know \u2014 a safe and crippling state of being. The motivation to stretch, get uncomfortable and fail at times fades.<\/p>\n

A mindset of continuous learning best positions us for an ever-evolving future. Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist and Stanford professor, distinguishes between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.<\/p>\n

In a fixed mindset, people believe that their basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. They believe that talent alone, without effort, creates success. They believe that they are \u201csmart\u201d or \u201cdumb\u201d and that there is no way to change. No matter how hard they work at something, a ceiling prevents them from getting better.<\/p>\n

In a growth mindset, people believe that their basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Brains and talent are a starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishments. The sky is the limit. It\u2019s not about proving yourself, it\u2019s about improving yourself. Three cheers for a growth mindset!<\/p>\n

\u201cFuture Shock\u201d author Alvin Toffler once said, \u201cThe illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.\u201d Learning and relearning can be fun. Unlearning is hard. It\u2019s hard discarding old thinking, protocols, treatment plans, business practices and communication styles. But that hard work is necessary to progress and grow as people and professionals. Unlearning is particularly difficult for adults; kids are good at it. Our thinking becomes more rigid as we age. Practice unlearning. Challenge yourself as to what you think you know.<\/p>\n

How difficult was it for medical professionals of the past to unlearn bloodletting, lobotomies, arsenic and mercury treatments, urine for teeth whitening, shock therapy, and heroin for children\u2019s coughs? All were considered contemporary medicine in our great-grandparents\u2019 day. The importance of learning, unlearning and relearning has never been more important than in today\u2019s rapidly changing workplace.<\/p>\n

A New Way to Look at CE<\/h3>\n

Today\u2019s CE norms center on attending a prescribed number of annual events so that veterinarians and veterinary nurses can stay abreast of our rapidly changing field. But perhaps there\u2019s a better way? Alternative CE norms could include:<\/p>\n