Staffing

Professional development is critical to success because it ensures staff is competent and current, contributing to efficiency and better patient care. Unlike required compliance training, professional development gives employees an opportunity to enhance and advance their career. Actively encouraging professional development helps employees bring innovations to the table and demonstrates that you are invested in them personally. Professional development is important to medical practices that must keep up with changing technologies, healthcare trends, and increasing patient expectations.

When considering what professional development to encourage, keep in mind where you might like to improve, such as:

• Being patient-centered

• Taking a team-based approach to care

• Being data- and evidence-driven

• Embracing continuous improvement

In addition to these it is important that staff also continually develop their skills in:

• Leadership

• Communication

• Emotional intelligence and empathy

• Cultural competency

These supplementary skills also contribute to a positive work culture and a sense of personal fulfillment for your staff. It can enable upward mobility within the practice as opportunities become available.

There is usually role-specific training that can help staff advance within their role. For example, office administrators may be interested in getting additional training in practice management. A front office employee may want to learn new office or IT skills.

Professional development can take various forms including:

• Live sessions such as in-person conferences and networking events

• Live virtual sessions

• Pre-recorded on-demand courses

• Guided self-study courses

• Mentorship, coaching, or shadowing programs

Determining which format is best depends on how the employee learns, their role, your budget, and their ability to take time away from work. Remember, it is important to engage staff in setting their professional goals, and it is your job to ensure that they feel supported in reaching them.

Training and education should not stop a week after a new employee is hired. It is a continuous process that enhances employee skills, which enhance your practice’s services and reputation.

Be sure to visit the AAD Learning Center, the premier educational home for continuing professional development in dermatology, with the goal of improving patient care outcomes. Earn CME credit and meet CCP requirements online or in a live setting.

Additional Academy resources