Introduction
In this uncertain time of fast-moving societal, economic and technological changes reshaping the medical profession in general, the respiratory specialty is presented with significant challenges and, at the same time, distinct and valuable opportunities.
The movement of both patients and doctors within the European Union has focused even greater attention on the competence of doctors and their fitness to practice. Horsley et al. [1] describe the variation between continuing professional development systems across EU countries and argues for harmonisation of accreditation systems to simplify this process.
At the same time, technological changes have introduced new concepts and challenges in how we conduct medical education both by instruction and assessment, such as in e-learning, simulators and simulation scenarios.
These trends will particularly impact on the practice of respiratory medicine and it is therefore crucial that theprofession keeps pace. This requires particular efforts in education and training.
Medical education reforms then become relevant, and calls for: 1) standardising learning outcomes and individualising the learning process; 2) promoting multiple forms of integration; 3) methods of self-reflection and self-improvement; and 4) focusing on the progressive formation of the physician's professional identity [2].
These reforms will need to be supported appropriately by the EU and member states. The European Respiratory Society (ERS) is in a unique position to propose EU-wide principles, values and measures. For this reason, the ERS has engaged in a critical self-reflection of the current state of educational policies within the society as well as determining future directions by organising the first ERS educational research seminar.
ERS School educational research seminar
The ERS School organised an educational research seminar on June 3–4, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland. International experts in medical education and respiratory medicine attended, including colleagues from the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Thoracic …