Healthcare is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is essential for professionals to provide the best care. In a discussion with Prof. Dr. Oscar H. Franco, Director of the Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, we explored why continuous education is important in the medical field.
We recently sat down with Prof.dr. Oscar H. Franco, the Director of the Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, to discuss the role of continuous learning in healthcare. Working with nearly 200 scientists, Oscar focuses on improving global and local health outcomes. Beyond research, he is deeply passionate about education, having led academic programs and lectured worldwide. Our conversation centered on why ongoing education is essential for healthcare professionals and how it directly impacts patient care.
The healthcare industry is constantly changing, with new technologies, treatments, and patient expectations shaping the way professionals work. As medical research grows and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into healthcare, professionals need to keep learning to stay informed and provide the best care possible.
Healthcare is always evolving. New treatments, research, and challenges emerge regularly. For professionals, staying up to date is not just a benefit—it’s a responsibility. Without continuous learning, it becomes difficult to provide patients with the highest quality of care.
“Our patients deserve better. And in order to provide the best treatment that we can provide, there has to be a continuous process of learning. Medicine should be based on science, evidence, and continuous learning—not just intuition.”
– Prof.dr. Oscar H. Franco, Director of the Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics
Healthcare providers rely on the latest research and medical advancements to make informed decisions. However, with so much new information emerging daily, it’s not enough to rely on past training. Lifelong learning helps professionals:
AI is making it easier for healthcare professionals to access the latest information. AI-powered tools can summarize research, suggest treatment plans, and improve diagnostics. Rather than replacing doctors, AI is helping them work more effectively.
“Can you imagine yourself living without electricity and water? There will be a point where you will not imagine yourself living without artificial intelligence. Professionals must learn how to use these tools to make informed decisions.”
At the same time, AI comes with challenges. With so much information available, it’s important for professionals to develop digital literacy to separate credible sources from misleading content.
Education isn’t just for professionals. With so much health information available online, people often search for their symptoms before seeing a doctor. However, much of this information is scattered or inaccurate, often shared on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram by non-experts.
“We are waiting for people to become ill to give them basic education on health. That doesn’t make sense to me. Health education should be integrated into school curriculums just like math or geography.”
To address this, institutions and organizations must find better ways to provide clear, accurate, and engaging health information to the public.
Healthcare education needs to keep up with technology. Traditional textbooks and lectures are no longer enough. Professionals and institutions must adopt AI, digital platforms, and new learning methods to keep up with advancements in the field.
With the right tools and resources, healthcare professionals can stay informed, help patients make better decisions, and improve overall health outcomes.
Keeping up with changes in healthcare is more important than ever. Explore how Elevate’s solutions can help you and your organisation to stay ahead in your field.
