Colleen served for 3 years on the CDR. In that role she was personally and integrally involved in the evolution of the Professional Development 2001 (PD 2001) program that each of us as RDs and DTRs will be using to maintain our registration in coming years. Colleen presented an abbreviated version of the workshop that she and others have been utilizing to introduce dietetic professionals to the process.

The aim of PD 2001 is "to foster and facilitate self-directed lifelong learning and to provide the practitioner with tools to assist in professional development." Beginning in June 2001 each of us at our next registration expiration date will receive a portfolio from CDR with directions and guidance for conducting the 5-step process in developing our professional plan. These 5 steps include reflection, conducting a learning needs assessment, developing a learning plan, implementing the plan and evaluating the outcomes.

As Colleen described it, a great deal of flexibility and self-direction have been incorporated into PD 2001 with the intent that the CDR will not judge or evaluate an individual’s learning plan, just document it. Extensive piloting and incorporation of suggestions from the membership have formed what appears to be a user-friendly program that will reduce the paperwork of the current process while at the same time hopefully producing a more meaningful result. Complete information and materials related to PD 2001 can be found at the CDR’s website: www.cdrnet.org.