The Continuum of Pediatric Medical Education and Life-Long Learning

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has outlined competencies for residents to attain, and the Milestones Project¹ has helped delineate more specific goals for pediatrician development. Our medical schools and the American Board of Medical Specialties have also modified competencies applicable to corresponding stages of professional development. However, our curricula are bursting at the seams, and demands for attention to non-traditional competencies are increasing. How can educators ensure adequate skills, attitudes, and knowledge and prepare future physicians for practice in a system that is in transition politically, socially, and technologically? In view of all the changes taking place in medical education and clinical care, it is time to revisit the basic components of a thorough and competent pediatric education.