“…..'' 13 Despite the emphasis placed on physicians' lifelong learning, no universally accepted definition has been proposed. 14 Lifelong learning is a complex and multidimensional concept, 15,16 as reflected in the definition suggested by the European Lifelong Learning Initiative: ''Lifelong learning is the development of human potential through a continuously supportive process which stimulates and empowers individuals to acquire all the knowledge, values, skills, and understanding they will require throughout their lifetimes and to apply them with confidence, creativity and enjoyment in all roles, circumstances and environments'' 16 (p. 592). Facets of this broad definition, such as ''human potential,'' ''supportive process,'' ''creativity,'' and ''enjoyment'' impede empirical research because they defy measurement.…”