Current Trends in Medical Education Affecting Allergy and Immunology Physicians and Learners

A review of 62 published articles from the past five years outlined current competency-based education (CBE) trends for physicians and learners of allergy and immunology. The analysis revealed that e-learning has become the leading CBE trend due to the COVID pandemic, and learners and instructors should be comfortable using multiple session formats and platforms. Options include synchronous and asynchronous e-learning and blended instruction. "The impact of e-learning can also be seen in practicing physicians who continue their lifelong learning by obtaining CME credit and completing maintenance of specialty certification," the researchers note. Additionally, interprofessional education (IPE) has become increasingly embedded within the medical education continuum along formal and informal pathways. Training faculty in IPE concepts and skills is a critical first step toward such integration. Simulation-based medical education has matured to include virtual reality and high-fidelity sessions — and debriefing trainees continues to be the core element of the learning experience. Meanwhile, mentoring has progressed to include reverse mentoring, in which junior colleagues can educate more established colleagues in newer concepts. "Allergy and clinical immunology physicians may need to enhance their competency related to these trends by participating in specific faculty development courses or programs," the authors suggest.

Read More