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Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. — Nelson Mandela E DUCATION AND RESEARCH are fundamental tools in the medical industry. They play essential roles in developing medical devices, innovative technologies and groundbreaking procedures. Continuing your education as a professional is vital in the ever-changing world of medicine. It is important not only for you as a physician, but also for your staff to stay current. Continuing education improves employee skills and proficiency, and therefore increases job satisfaction, raises commitment levels and decreases employee turnover. So how do you decide which type of continuing education is appropriate for you? According to Neil Fleming's VAK model, learning styles are classified into three categories: + Visual + Auditory + Kinesthetic/tactile Teaching for the visual learner is one of the most common methods of education delivery. Most presentations today are conducted with slideshows, so learners can not only hear but also see what the presenter is discussing. Diagrams, pictures and other visual aids assist the audience in comprehending and understanding the information being presented. Teaching for the auditory learner is also often used in continu- ing education. Many live courses have engaging panel discussions and Q&A sessions that help reinforce what a learner may have heard and seen during a conventional lecture with a slideshow. Teaching for the tactile or kinesthetic learner is important in the medical field because most physician-to-patient interactions are hands-on. This allows learners to practice procedures and know what it is like to perform those procedures. Tactile learning is crucial not only for medical students, but also for experienced medical professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest procedures and devices. Taking a hands-on course at a skills lab facility utilizes all three learning styles, focusing on tactile learning. The learner can listen to the faculty member, see the model, cadaver, or simulator he or she is working on, and practice the procedure that is being taught. A skills lab facility offers a stress-free environment where seasoned medical professionals and medical students can perfect their practice of medicine with no concern about being scrutinized during the hands-on course. Deidre T. Huf f, COT, is Director of the Bioskills Training Institute, a didactic and skills lab training facility for continu- ing education, medical device or professional development pur poses. She can be reached at 210-641-8311 ext. 104 or deidreh@dannemiller.com. Dannemiller offers continuing education for all types of learners, using a variety of delivery methods. Dannemiller conducts live board review courses, offers online educational activities, and is currently constructing a Bioskills Training Institute in San Antonio. The Bioskills Training Institute will consist of a high-tech classroom and four skills labs equipped for hands-on medical device training and other medical education activities. To participate in a continuing medical education activity that meets your learning style, please visit www.dannemiller.com. ■ What Type of CME Activity Best Suits Your Learning Style? By Deidre Huff, COT +++++++++++++++++++ +++ + +++ + +++++++++++++++++++ ❮ CME ACTIVITY M D N E W S . CO M ■ MD NEWS San Antonio | 1 5