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In an era marked by rapid medical advancements and evolving healthcare challenges, an overwhelming majority of Indian doctors are calling for specialised upskilling opportunities, according to a new report released on Tuesday. The findings reveal that 94% of medical professionals in India are seeking advanced training programmes that go beyond traditional Continuing Medical Education (CME), signalling a shift in the landscape of lifelong learning in the medical field.
The report, based on responses from 400 doctors across various specialties and experience levels, uncovers key trends that highlight the urgent need for specialised academic opportunities. According to Balu Ramachandran, Co-founder and CEO of OC Academy, “Our survey reveals a critical inflection point in medical education in India. With 93.58% of doctors expressing a need for specialised 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 revolutionise medical education.”
Key Findings
One of the most significant insights from the report is the growing preference for hybrid learning models. A majority of the surveyed doctors (61.35%) expressed a desire for a combination of online and offline learning, which provides both flexibility and hands-on experience. Nearly a quarter of respondents (23.84%) placed a high priority on the availability of practical, hands-on experience or simulations when enrolling in specialised programmes, underscoring the importance of experiential learning in the modern medical education landscape.
Self-driven learning is also gaining traction among medical professionals. Over half of the respondents (55.09%) reported actively searching for resources online, reflecting a growing trend toward self-directed, continuous learning. This shift marks a departure from traditional, institution-led learning approaches, as doctors increasingly seek personalised and accessible educational resources.
A Universal Need for Upskilling
Interestingly, the desire for specialised upskilling transcends experience levels. Doctors at all career stages are actively seeking opportunities for continuous professional development. Of the respondents, 38.89% had more than 20 years of experience, while 24.77% had less than 5 years, highlighting the universal need for advanced training in an ever-changing medical environment.
Challenges to Upskilling
Despite the widespread demand for further education, doctors face significant barriers to accessing specialised training. The report identified lack of time (31.02%) and lack of suitable courses (33.56%) as the top challenges. These obstacles point to the need for more flexible, tailored programmes that cater to the busy schedules of medical professionals.
The findings highlight a critical opportunity for the healthcare education sector to innovate and develop programmes that meet the evolving needs of doctors. As the demand for specialised upskilling grows, institutions and educators are being called upon to create accessible, practical, and hybrid learning options that keep pace with the advancements in medicine.
In conclusion, the report reveals a clear demand for a revolution in medical education, driven by the desire for specialised upskilling opportunities that go beyond traditional CME. As doctors across India increasingly turn to advanced, self-driven learning platforms, the need for accessible, practical, and flexible programmes has never been more evident.
