A professional development model to foster change.

This article proposes that professional development be a core principle within an organization to equip staff members with the resources to adapt to change. Multiple examples of professional development activities are identified. Four absolutes to create an environment to support professional development are discussed. A successful professional development model at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, is detailed, including examples of funding sources. Finally, the investigators furnish examples of how an environment rich in professional development activities fosters staff members' abilities to cope with change.