The computer and the future of continuing medical education

Traditional continuing medical education-general reading, attending courses and conferences and having discussions with colleagues-helps physicians review fundamental concepts and learn new developments in medicine. This type of continuing education is well established and will not change dramatically. Beyond this, physicians learn from specific problems that arise in practice. A computer can enhance practice-related continuing medical education by providing information when a physician is developing diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Computer mail and telephone voice mail improve communication among physicians. Computers, by storing practice data, enable physicians to study their practices and profit from experience. Hospitals, specialty societies and medical schools should investigate using computers to help physicians profit maximally from experience.