How Do Doctors Stay Up to Date on Protocol Changes? How Often Do They Fall Behind?

Change is rampant in every industry, but it’s particularly prominent in medicine, where emerging research holds the potential to dramatically alter protocol we currently take for granted. Already, the average physician visit looks little like it did just twenty years ago.

Keeping up may seem impossible as a patient, but what about the doctors charged with handling a myriad of medical issues? Unfortunately, their efforts to stay current vary dramatically, as we examine below:

Interactions With Fellow Professionals

In today’s technological world, word of mouth remains one of the most effective means of keeping up to date with medical developments. Doctors often stumble upon groundbreaking discoveries while interacting with their peers, who may discuss industry news in passing or during professional gatherings. For this reason, it’s important to consider the entire medical community when selecting a clinic or hospital. Doctors surrounded by other esteemed professionals are more likely to remain up to date.

Medical Journals

Whether regarded as light reading or a professional obligation, most doctors regularly read at least one peer-reviewed medical journal on a regular basis. When vetting prospective providers, don’t hesitate to inquire about preferred reading material. This simple question can reveal a lot about health care workers’ determination to remain in the know.

Continuing Education

Reading and word of mouth may prove valuable, but ultimately, continuing medical education (CME) is most responsible for keeping doctors up to date. Unfortunately, requirements vary from one region to the next. Some states lack CME standards altogether. This information is available online, so do your research and don’t hesitate to ask if your doctor makes the effort to take CME courses.

If you suspect that a doctor’s negligence has caused you to suffer, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Regan Zambri Long PLLC to learn more about our medical malpractice services.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.