Continuous training is essential for paediatricians in order to keep up to date with the latest knowledge. In Switzerland, two formats are available for this purpose: the Paediatrics Webinar and Collège A. Both formats offer unique advantages, to deepen specialist knowledge and promote exchange within the specialist community and are organised in collaboration with the specialist society in paediatrics and adolescent medicine ‘paediatrics switzerland’ with the Department for Education and Media (AUM) of the Institute for Medical Education (IML).

The Paediatrics Webinar has established itself as a modern, contemporary format that meets the needs of paediatricians. With 5 to 6 online events per year, a wide range of topics is covered, which is orientated towards the content of the print edition of the specialist journal Paedriatica. This ensures that the topics covered are highly relevant. Around 200 people register online for each event.

The format follows a clear sequence: After a brief introduction by a representative of the ‘paediatrics switzerland’ board, there are usually 2 to 4 keynote speeches given by recognised experts in their field. This is followed by a plenary discussion in which all participants - both those present on site and the experts who have joined in - have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speakers. This interactivity is one of the main advantages of the format, as it promotes dialogue and strengthens the transfer of knowledge.

Another plus point is the flexibility of location. As the webinar takes place via Zoom there is no need to travel. The events take place over lunchtime, which has minimal impact on the participants' working day. Participation entitles individuals to receive credit points (CME) - an additional incentive that promotes continuous further training - which are awarded by the specialist association. The consistently high number of participants and the spontaneous feedback from participants show that the webinar meets their needs.

The Collège A using MS Teams differs from the Zoom webinar in its format, functioning as a synchronously broadcasted lecture to various other lecture halls. From alternating venues, every year around 10 events are streamed to other institutions. An unlimited number of participants in the different lecture halls can benefit from this stream. This regional distribution enables paediatricians from all over Switzerland to participate. The other institutions are each connected in a lecture theatre. The events are administered, recorded and post-processed by the AUM and are permanently available via the specialist society's e-learning portal in paediatrics and adolescent medicine.

While the webinar covers several topics, Collège A is usually dedicated to one central topic per event. This allows for a more intensive discussion of the topic. Participants benefit from personal interaction, both with the speakers and with colleagues on site. This opportunity to network is a key advantage of Collège A, which is often only available to a limited extent at virtual events.

By focussing on a specific topic and being present on site, a deeper transfer of knowledge is achieved. This promotes intensive dialogue and creates an ideal basis for anchoring the content in the long term.

The Paediatrics Webinar and Collège A are two complementary training formats that cater to different needs. While the webinar impresses with its flexibility, interactivity and the option to participate from anywhere, Collège A offers an in-depth examination of a specific topic as well as the opportunity to maintain a direct exchange both on site and via chat. Both formats enrich paediatric training and make a valuable contribution to the continuous development of paediatricians' specialist skills in Switzerland. The feedback from participants at both events was consistently positive.