• AI Clinical Scribes (e.g., ambient documentation tools) Technology that captures physician–patient dialogue and generates clinical notes, improving presence and connection.
  • Ontario MD
  • CPSO
• Sepsis Information – Sepsis Alliance Patient-friendly education on recognizing sepsis early.
• Women's Health & Menopause Research – Women's College Hospital (Toronto) A leading Canadian institution advancing research on menopause and women's health.
• Shared Decision-Making & Patient Communication – Choosing Wisely Canada Supports conversations around testing, treatments, and evidence-informed care.

S03 E01:

In this episode of The Hat Rack, host Dr. Bill McCauley sits down with Dr. Eleftherios Soleas(Terry) and Dr. Adam Gavarkovs (adam.g@ubc.ca), two leading Canadian scholars in health professions education, to explore the often-invisible world of research in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Together, they uncover how scholarship drives change in medical education—shaping how physicians learn, practice, and sustain their careers.

From the evolution of CPD beyond conferences to the rise of assessment-based learning, interprofessional teamwork, and workplace-embedded education, this conversation highlights how evidence is reshaping practice. The guests also discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence—from AI-powered simulated patients to personalized learning through EMRs—and the challenges of ensuring ethical, safe, and effective use.

Listeners will gain fresh insight into the past, present, and future of CPD research, including its role in promoting physician well-being, fostering professional collaboration, and creating meaningful, agile learning experiences.

Referenced Resources:

• Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions (JCEHP) – A leading peer-reviewed journal publishing scholarship on CPD, learning, and health professions education. Explore at JCEHP.
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – Accreditor and standard-setter for CPD activities in Canada, including recognition of assessment-based and team-learning models. Visit royalcollege.ca.
• Amy Edmondson's Work on Psychological Safety – Foundational research on how safe, supportive team environments foster deeper learning and collaboration. See The Fearless Organization.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians gain access to the strategies and insights that CPD experts use to plan, deliver, and measure meaningful continuing education. Guests draw from extensive local, national, and international experience, providing practical takeaways for physicians and educators alike.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

📧 Questions, Comments, & Suggestions: thehatrack@uwo.ca

S02 E06:

In this episode of The Hat Rack, Dr. Bill McCauley is joined by internationally recognized psychiatrist and physician well-being expert Dr. Mamta Gautam. Together, they explore the powerful connection between continuing professional development (CPD) and physician resilience. Dr. Gautam shares her "Five Cs of Resilience" framework—control, commitment, connections, calming, and care—and discusses how CPD can be intentionally structured to nurture these essential elements of well-being. They also delve into the culture of medicine, the hidden costs of perfectionism, and the critical role of peer support and safe learning environments. Tune in for actionable strategies to plan CPD activities that support not just knowledge, but also emotional and professional fulfillment.

Referenced Resources:

• The Raft – An accredited online platform created by Dr. Gautam, offering community, leadership resources, and support for women physicians. Available at theraft.ca.

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – Provides standards and accreditation for CPD in Canada. Learn more at royalcollege.ca.

• Five Cs of Resilience – Dr. Gautam's framework for physician well-being: Control, Commitment, Connections, Calming, and Care, introduced through her leadership and professional development programs.

• Psychological Safety in Learning Environments – See work by Amy Edmondson, including The Fearless Organization, for foundational concepts related to creating safe, inclusive spaces for professional learning.

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME and implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to thehatrack@uwo.ca.