Continuing Medical Education (CME) ensures physicians maintain current knowledge throughout their careers. Understanding CME requirements and maximizing educational value helps busy clinicians stay current efficiently.
Understanding CME Requirements
State medical boards require CME for license renewal, typically 25-50 hours annually. Requirements vary by state—some mandate specific topics like pain management, opioid prescribing, or cultural competency. Board certification maintenance requires additional CME through Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs. ABMS member boards require 100-200 MOC credits over 3-5 year cycles plus periodic assessments.
Types of CME Activities
CME activities receive different credit amounts. Category 1 credits from ACCME-accredited providers count toward most requirements. Enduring materials like online modules offer flexible learning. Live conferences provide networking plus education. Journal-based CME involves reading articles and completing assessments. Performance improvement CME evaluates and improves practice patterns. Medical teaching generates CME credit. Choose activities matching learning preferences and schedule constraints.