How can I find CME updates in my area?

Finding CME Updates in Your Area

To find continuing medical education (CME) opportunities in your location, utilize online search engines as your primary tool, supplemented by direct email notifications from professional associations, as these are the most frequently used and effective methods for identifying CME activities. 1

Primary Methods for Locating CME

Digital Resources (Most Effective)

• Online search engines are the most commonly selected source for CME information, used by 70% of clinicians 1
• Direct email notifications are utilized by over 50% of healthcare providers for CME discovery 1
• Professional association websites serve as another major source, selected by more than half of respondents 1

Additional Information Sources

• Direct mail communications from CME providers 1
• Medical journals and their CME sections 2
• Specialty society websites (e.g., European Society of Cardiology at www.escardio.org/guidelines for cardiology CME) 2
• Journal-specific CME platforms (e.g., Medscape.org for various specialties) 2

Understanding CME Formats in the Post-Pandemic Era

Traditional vs. Hybrid Options

• In-person conferences remain available but face barriers of expense (68% cite this) and travel time (57% report this as problematic) 1
• Online/virtual CME has expanded significantly post-COVID-19, offering greater flexibility and accessibility 3
• Hybrid formats combine both approaches, addressing time and cost constraints 3

Practical Considerations

Financial and Time Support

• Most clinicians receive 1-6 days per year allocated for CME activities 1
• Typical monetary support ranges from $1,000-$5,000 annually 1
• Over 70% of clinicians report no increase in time or financial support over recent years 1

Common Barriers to Address

• Expense is the single most frequently cited barrier (68% of clinicians) 1
• Travel time represents the second major obstacle (57%) 1
• Limited time away from clinical practice 1

Specialty-Specific CME Resources

Cardiology

• European Society of Cardiology offers accredited CME through www.escardio.org/knowledge/guidelines 2
• CME credits available through journal platforms like European Heart Journal at cme.oxfordjournals.org 2

Oncology and Surgical Specialties

• NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) provides CME at www.nccn.org 2
• Journal-based CME through platforms like www.medscape.com/cme/jnccn 2

Primary Care and Family Medicine

• College of Family Physicians chapters offer provincial/regional CME events 4
• University-affiliated CME programs provide local options 4

Optimizing Your CME Search Strategy

Recommended Approach

1. Set up email alerts from your primary professional associations 1
2. Bookmark specialty society websites relevant to your practice 2
3. Subscribe to journals in your field that offer integrated CME 2
4. Use targeted online searches with specific keywords (your specialty + CME + your location) 1

Quality Considerations

• Prioritize interactive CME formats (audit/feedback, academic detailing, reminders) as these are most effective at changing practice and improving patient outcomes 5
• Avoid relying solely on didactic presentations or printed materials, which have minimal impact on practice change 5
• Seek programs offering clinical practice guidelines and practical application opportunities 5

Important Caveats

• Accreditation varies by location: Ensure CME activities are accredited by relevant bodies (e.g., EBAC in Europe, AMA PRA in the United States) 2
• Credit portability: AMA PRA credits are accepted in the U.S., and through international agreements, may be acceptable in other countries 2
• Registration requirements: Most online CME platforms require free registration before accessing content 2