The learning curve

CPD: it sounds more like an expression from a fast-moving hospital drama than the acronym for continuing professional development. 'Quick nurse the screens! We need to give CPD!'

Glamorous nurses rush in pushing a large machine with cylinders and dials. The young doctor sweat pouring from his brow grabs two terminals applies them to the patient's chest and with a cry of 'charging! Stand clear!' administers a substantial shock while worried relatives can only watch from behind the glass partition.

No CPD isn't like that at all. Or at least it shouldn't be. Of course if you are part way through a technical seminar and have just heard the lecturer impart some advice which completely negates the action that you took regarding Mr Bloggs' tax affairs last month the result might be somewhat similar.

The point of continuing professional development is...