Engaging physicians in CME: the power of theater.

HealthPartners Institute for Medical Education has developed an innovative continuing medical education model that uses elements of theater to explore complex issues in health care and increase participant engagement. The model was recently used during a hospital medicine retreat. The learning event included a four-part monologue in which an actor portrayed a patient, interactive didactic sessions, a game show titled "Who Wants to be Hospitalized a MillionTimes," computerized simulations, and a call for clinicians to help patients adopt healthier behaviors. Post-event evaluations demonstrated that participants gained valuable clinical knowledge and appreciated the combination of active learning and theater.