title: [Continuing medical education in neurology: a necessary challenge].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The knowledge and skills acquired in the neurology specialty during post-graduate studies must be developed later as a specialist. Exponential growth of the scientific knowledge and its practical application make lifelong learning essential for optimal development of our professional activity.
  The most relevant aspects of the learning and continued development of the neurologist have been reviewed. Current models and different proposals made by national and international medical organizations and societies on continuing medical education and the continuing professional development are presented and analyzed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several aspects regarding the need for continuing medical education and the continuing professional development are discussed. Included among these are whether continuing education should be a voluntary commitment by each professional or an obligation regulated by specialist organizations. We have the opportunity to play a leading role in the changes that will affect us in this field.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. jesús_goal@yahoo.es
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: González de la Aleja
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martínez-Salio
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bermejo-Pareja
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000592:standards