Confessions of a CPD Shopaholic: A Journey of Knowledge, Growth, and Self-Discovery

By Katie Knapton

Have you ever found yourself labelled as a CPD shopaholic? If so, welcome to the club! As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of musculoskeletal therapy, I was initially surprised to be approached by MSKMag not for my extensive clinical knowledge or entrepreneurial experience, but rather for my perceived addiction to continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. However, upon introspection, I came to realise that there may indeed be some truth to this characterisation. Though just for the record I loathe proper shopping!

The genesis of this journey can be traced back to the diverse array of patients I encounter on a regular basis within my semi-rural local clinic and online practice. The sheer breadth of this patient population compelled me to consistently seek out new knowledge and skills spanning the spectrum of musculoskeletal health and beyond. This unquenchable thirst for knowledge and skill enhancement gradually evolved into a defining trait, propelling me to explore novel learning avenues to remain pertinent and deliver optimal care to those under my care.

What lessons have I gleaned from this expedition of a self-proclaimed CPD shopaholic? It became abundantly clear that merely enrolling in a multitude of CPD resources does not inherently equate to a commensurate increase in knowledge acquisition. The profusion of available resources, interest groups, courses, and events can be both a boon and a bane. Within this sea of offerings lie the commendable, the questionable, and the mediocre; necessitating a discerning eye and a judicious approach to navigate through the labyrinth of CPD options effectively.