Continuing medical education (CME) helps you maintain competence and stay on top of industry developments and new technology. In the U.S., CME programs for physicians are regulated by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of CME, how to earn credits, and requirements.
The Benefits of Continuing Medical Education
Like any field, professional development is key to a physician’s success. When you choose to continue your medical education, it comes with various benefits, including:
- Meeting Certification/Licensing Requirements – Many regulatory bodies require doctors and health professionals to complete a number of CME credits annually to maintain their licenses. Make sure you verify that the program you sign up for is accredited.
- Improve Patient Care – CME allows you to learn and discover new ways to improve the patient care services you provide. It also helps you manage your practice and stay competitive.
- Stay on Top of New Technology – New technologies can impact how your patients are diagnosed, treated, and cared for. Improved efficiency and accuracy that technology provides is a win for both patients and doctors.
- Career Advancement – Updating your medical knowledge and skills increases your chances of advancing your medical career. You’ll stand out among the competition when your resume is filled with annual CME credits.
How to Earn CME Credits
A CME credit is considered a unit of time that you spend attending a CME activity. When you participate in a CME activity, you can earn CME credits, depending on how much time you spend on the CME activity. Typically one hour equals one credit. There are many different ways to earn CME credits, including:
- Live Medical Conferences – There are a variety of functions medical conferences meet, including new skills and networking opportunities.
- Webinars – You can now earn CME credits by attending web-based seminars. Many CME webinars are free and sponsored by the organizations directing them.
- Free Online Programs – If you don’t have time to travel, you can earn critical CME credits online. There are many providers offering online CME programs. Just make sure it meets Category 1 Credit requirements before signing up.
CME Requirements for Physicians
CME requirements vary across medical specialties. The majority of state licensing boards have established specific requirements for CME credit content. It’s important to check with your state or local medical board so you can know the number of CME credits and hours you need to meet CME compliance.
