OC Academy Survey: 93.58% of Indian doctors seek specialized upskilling beyond CME

In an era of rapid medical advancements and evolving healthcare challenges, upskilling has become more critical than ever for medical professionals. A recent survey conducted by OC Academy has unveiled a significant demand for advanced upskilling opportunities among doctors in India, highlighting a paradigm shift in medical education.

The study, which gathered responses from 400 medical professionals across various specialties and experience levels, reveals a pressing need for specialized training programs that go beyond traditional Continuing Medical Education (CME). This demand underscores the medical community's commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and delivering cutting-edge patient care. An overwhelming 93.58% of surveyed doctors either approved or strongly agreed that there is a need for additional upskilling opportunities in India beyond CME. This includes specialized training programs, advanced courses, and other academic opportunities.

The survey uncovered several key trends that diverge from conventional medical education approaches. A significant majority of doctors, 61.35%, favor a hybrid mode of learning, combining online and offline components. This trend reflects the need for flexibility and practical experience in medical education. When considering enrollment in specialized upskilling programs, nearly a quarter of respondents (23.84%) prioritize the availability of practical hands-on experience or simulations, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning in medical education.

It also revealed a strong inclination towards self-driven learning, with over half of the respondents (55.09%) actively searching for resources online. This indicates a shift towards self-directed, continuous learning among medical professionals. Interestingly, the desire for upskilling spans across all career stages, with 38.89% of respondents having more than 20 years of experience and 24.77% having less than 5 years, highlighting the universal need for continuous professional development in the medical field.

The survey provided several critical insights into the current state of medical education and upskilling in India. The overwhelming demand for upskilling beyond CME, expressed by 93.58% of respondents, stands out as a clear call to action for educational institutions and policymakers. The preference for hybrid learning models, indicated by 61.35% of doctors, suggests a need for flexible, technology-enabled learning solutions.

Challenges to upskilling were also identified, with lack of time (31.02%) and lack of suitable courses (33.56%) emerging as the top hurdles faced by doctors. This highlights the need for more accessible and tailored upskilling programs. The survey also revealed that a significant portion of respondents, 40.05%, own their own clinic or hospital, indicating a substantial entrepreneurial spirit within the medical community. Despite the high demand for upskilling, only 27.31% of respondents are currently enrolled in upskilling programs, pointing to a significant gap between desire and actual participation in continued education.

Mr. Balu Ramachandran, the Co-founder and CEO of OC Academy, stated, “Our survey reveals a critical inflection point in medical education in India. With 93.58% of doctors expressing a need for specialized upskilling beyond traditional CME, we're witnessing a paradigm shift in how medical professionals approach lifelong learning. This overwhelming demand signals not just a gap, but an opportunity to revolutionize medical education. At OC Academy, we're committed to bridging this gap with innovative, flexible, and practice-oriented upskilling programs that cater to the evolving needs of India's diverse medical community. Our goal is to empower doctors at every career stage with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver cutting-edge patient care in an ever-advancing medical landscape.

He further added, “Looking ahead, we envision a future where continuous medical education seamlessly integrates with clinical practice, leveraging technology to provide personalized learning experiences. We're developing AI-driven platforms that adapt to individual learning styles and professional needs, ensuring that every doctor can access the most relevant and up-to-date medical knowledge at their fingertips. By 2030, we aim to have empowered over 1 million healthcare professionals across India with these next-generation upskilling tools, fundamentally transforming the landscape of medical education and patient care in our country."

OC Academy is committed to addressing this clear demand for specialized upskilling opportunities among Indian doctors. We are developing comprehensive, flexible, and accredited programs that cater to the specific needs of medical professionals across various specialties and career stages. By leveraging a hybrid learning approach and focusing on practical, hands-on experience, we aim to bridge the upskilling gap and contribute to the continuous professional development of India's medical community.