Who are lifelong learners?
Lifelong learners are those who continuously develop their skills. There are many qualities that a ‘typical’ lifelong learner needs to possess. Firstly, a lifelong learner needs to be able to recognise informative, reliable and accurate sources. Medical students might seek alternative sources of information in order to gain a different view and opinion and to discuss the views they themselves are forming. They may participate in shared learning which enables them to discuss developments, information and experiences and to gain from the experiences and opinions of others. Secondly, they need to be autonomous and possess the ability to make judgements for themselves about the reliability of information and how useful it may be. A lifelong learner needs to have the ability to analyse new information, and then apply this information and any new developments to their medical practice. This means they are able to continuously provide care of the very best standard. Lifelong learners need to
