As many of you know, I have been engaged in ongoing research on learner preferences in collaboration with colleagues across several medical specialty societies. This work continues to shape how I think about educational design and delivery.
In particular, I closely follow trends in higher education. This focus is intentional: as a medical specialty society, our membership represents a significant portion of the learners we serve. Understanding the experiences and expectations being shaped in higher education today provides valuable insight into how these individuals will approach learning as they transition into continuing education. By staying attuned to these developments, we can better anticipate their needs and design educational offerings that truly support their growth throughout their professional journey.
As we look toward the future of continuing professional development, the shift toward hybrid learning environments is redefining how healthcare professionals grow, connect and stay current in their fields. Hybrid CPD blends the flexibility and personalization of online education with the meaningful interaction and collaboration of in‑person learning, providing clinicians with adaptable, accessible pathways to lifelong learning. Recent analysis of hybrid learning models in 2026 shows how hybrid formats have evolved into intentionally designed, technology‑enhanced learning ecosystems that support diverse learner needs, promote engagement and strengthen continuity across professional settings. These same principles apply directly to CPD, positioning hybrid design as an essential enabler of scalable, inclusive and impactful educational experiences. The following are articles that are helping me shape my perspective on various learning models and my approach to CME/CPD.
Monthly CME/CPD Research Highlights
Each month, I look forward to sharing emerging insights that are shaping the future of continuing medical education (CME) and continuing professional development (CPD). As our learning ecosystem continues to evolve, staying grounded in current research allows us to design educational experiences that are not only evidence-informed but also responsive to the needs of today’s — and tomorrow’s — healthcare professionals.
1. AI‑Enhanced CPD as an Evolving Sociotechnical System
Journal: JMIR Medical Education
Explores how AI can be meaningfully integrated into CPD as a sociotechnical system.
Citation: Hlede V, et al. (2026).
Read Now
2. When Suffering Becomes a Game: A Critical Examination of Gamification in Medical Education
Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
Examines gamification, serious games and game-based learning in medical education.
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3. Diverse Medical School Classes and Learner Satisfaction
Journal: JAMA Network Open
Examines how learner diversity correlates with educational satisfaction.
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4. Leaping Forward Into…What? — AI and the Future of Medical Education
Journal: JAMA
An interview on AI’s educational impact.
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5. Future‑Ready CPD: Balancing Innovation With Human Connection
Journal: Journal of CME (JCME)
Discusses balancing tech innovation with human‑centered learning.
Read Now
President’s Picks: Monthly JCEHP Articles
While the articles in the most recent issue of JCEHP are all worth discussion, I would like to touch on a couple of items of interest:
Integrating Continuing Professional Development, Continuing Education and Quality Improvement: A Case Study and Implications for Practice
Type: Forum
Continuing professional development (CPD) and quality improvement (QI) are both dedicated to improving clinical practice and health outcomes. Published research has shown that Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s approach can lead to sustainable practice change.
Authors: Arnold Rehring, Sharisse M.; Steiner, John F.; Wong, Brian; Goldman, Joanne
From Theory to Practice: Evaluating the Integration of Adult Learning Theory in Continuing Medical Education Activities
Type: Foundations
This article examines how well different CME models intentionally incorporate adult learning theory, revealing wide variation across formats and highlighting particularly strong integration in Project ECHO and live simulation-based activities. It also identifies five key opportunities to strengthen theory-driven CME design, including enhanced feedback, structured reflection, autonomy-supportive adaptability, repeated practice of complex skills and the cultivation of humility.
Authors: Madhavpeddi, Adrienne R.; Walter, Jessica L.; Wells, Jordan R.; Jehn, Megan
Improved Activity Evaluations: An Iterative Process Using the Rasch Model
Type: Original Research
This article demonstrates how applying psychometric methods, specifically the Rasch model, can transform traditional CME/CPD evaluation tools into more reliable, streamlined instruments that better capture meaningful learner feedback. By refining rating scales, removing redundancies and improving reliability across thousands of learner evaluations, the study presents a modern, data‑driven approach that strengthens the quality and consistency of CPD assessment.
Authors: Gage, Anthony MS; Nisly, Sarah A. PharmD, MEd, BCPS, FCCP
From Reflections to Actions: The 50th Anniversary of the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions
Type: Editorial (Shameless Plug)
A reflection of the past with a look into the future of CME as the Alliance celebrates its 50th year.
Authors: Loffredo, Vince; Tornow, Audrie
Key Membership Updates & Reminders
Membership Town Hall
We will be holding a town hall on March 24. The Alliance Board of Directors will be there to talk about the state of the Alliance and to answer your questions.
Upcoming Webinar
Talk Is Skill: How AI Virtual Patients Are Transforming Motivational Interviewing Training in CME, March 30 at 12 p.m. ET. Presented by Boris Rozenfeld, MD; Ian Nott; Aylin Madore, MD, MEd and Moderated by David Mullins, CHCP
AIS 2026 Preparation
Save the date for Sept. 14-15 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The Call for Abstracts will go out in early April.
Almanac Content Hub Redesign
We are redesigning the Almanac Content Hub. The Almanac Editorial Board and a few other volunteers will kick off the conversations this month.
50th Anniversary Activities
Be sure to check out the new histories and traditions webpage includes:
- Our 50-year anniversary Alliance timeline
- Past presidents' video
- The 2025 digital yearbook
- #Alliance26 photo highlights
We will soon launch a Flickr account to share the photos from the conference.
2026 Member Needs Assessment Survey
On April 2, we will be launching the 2026 Member Needs Assessment survey. This is the time for you to use your voice. The survey will be open for one month. Your participation is essential to achieving our strongest response yet.
2026 Mentorship Cohort Applications
Opening March 23. We aim to maintain broad representation across all member sections, and we are seeking both mentors and mentees.
Closing Thoughts
As we step into spring after what feels like an exceptionally long winter — one that seemed determined to remind us who’s really in charge I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Our Alliance community continues to inspire me with your commitment, creativity and optimism, even when the days are short, the inboxes are long and the CME acronyms never stop multiplying.
This season always brings a sense of renewal and it feels especially fitting for the work we do. In many ways, CME/CPD are the “perennial gardens” of healthcare, constantly growing, occasionally needing pruning and always rewarding those who tend to them with care. And just like spring here in Kansas City and in the Midwest, our work can deliver unexpected surprises: one day sunshine and breakthroughs, the next day snow and revision cycles.
But through it all, you, our members, continue to lead with curiosity, generosity and a shared belief that education truly improves patient care. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this profession and support one another. As we look ahead, let’s carry that energy forward: keep experimenting, keep learning and keep finding joy (and humor!) in the process.
Here’s to longer days, lighter jackets and ongoing inspiration in the important work we do together.
Warm regards,
Vince Loffredo, EdD
Board President, Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions