PATHWAYS TO COMPETENCE FOR CME PROFESSIONALS: Options & Opportunities for Professional Recognition Judy Ribble, PhD, FACME President, National Commission for Certification of CME Professionals October 18, 2006 Baltimore

Objectives for this presentation … you should be able to: 1. Determine whether CME can be considered a profession 1. Determine whether CME can be considered a profession 2. Consider certification as an option for recognition of CME professionals

What is an Occupation? “The principal activity (job, work, calling) that earns money … for a person.” “The principal activity (job, work, calling) that earns money … for a person.”

What is a Profession? “… an occupation that requires extensive training and … specialized knowledge … “… an occupation that requires extensive training and … specialized knowledge … … and usually has a professional association, ethical code and process of certification or licensing.” … and usually has a professional association, ethical code and process of certification or licensing.” associationethical codecertificationlicensingprofessional associationethical codecertificationlicensing

–Historically there were only three classic professions: ministry, medicine, and law ministry, medicine, and law –Members of a profession were expected to profess were expected to profess a higher standard of accountability a higher standard of accountability

Examples of Professions Accounting Medicine ArchitectureThe Military The ClergyNursing EngineeringPharmacy FinanceTeaching Law

Professional Ethics E.g., Responsibilities of Attorneys –act in a professional manner –obey the law –avoid conflicts of interest –put the interests of clients ahead of their own interests

Characteristics of Professionals “Profess” a higher standard of accountability “Profess” a higher standard of accountability –Accountable to the public –Make decisions in complex situations –Possess specialized knowledge –Trained to interpret rules & regulations –Demonstrate defined competencies –Be self-governing within the profession

Characteristics of Professionals “The obligation to educate the client “The obligation to educate the client is often seen as a key part is often seen as a key part of the definition.” of the definition.”

Competence … as defined by George Miller, MD: The competent learner…  … knows (masters content)  … knows how (gains skills)  … demonstrates how (passes tests)  … and does (performs)

Definition of Competence … as defined by the Alliance for CME:  CME professionals are competent “when they use (practice, or apply) “when they use (practice, or apply) the [defined] knowledge, skill, or behavior.” the [defined] knowledge, skill, or behavior.”  “This … requires assessment and performance measurements and some form of certification process, which do not exist currently.”  “This … requires assessment and performance measurements and some form of certification process, which do not exist currently.” Competency Areas for CME Professionals Alliance for CME Website, Alliance for CME Website,

Criticism of Professional Groups Exclusive “guild mentality” Exclusive “guild mentality” - Laymen can be prohibited from practicing the profession Entrance into a profession can be limited Entrance into a profession can be limited - Creating a monopoly of initiates Self-serving Self-serving - “to enhance position in the labour markets”

Does CME Qualify as a Profession? Is CME “an occupation that requires extensive training and … specialized knowledge”? For examples of specialized knowledge required of CME Professionals, go to: pharmacymfgnonfr.pdf 4.

Does CME Qualify as a Profession? Do we have “a professional association”? professional associationprofessional association  SACME Society for Academic CME  ACME Alliance for CME PACME Pharmaceutical Alliance for CMEPACME Pharmaceutical Alliance for CME MECCA Medical Education/CommunicationMECCA Medical Education/Communication Company Alliance Company Alliance  NAAMECC North American Alliance of Medical Communication Companies Communication Companies  CACHE Canadian Association for Health Education  GAME Global Alliance for CME … and others … … and others …

Does CME Qualify as a Profession? Do we have “an ethical code”? ethical codeethical code Alliance for CME’s Code of Ethical Conduct -Describes ethical conduct in 11 areas of CME practice

Does CME Qualify as a Profession? Do we have “a process of certification or licensing”? certificationlicensingcertificationlicensing Certification of CME Professionals Position Statement “1. The Alliance will focus its efforts on the development of educational programming based on the Alliance’s Competencies…. 2. The Alliance will not develop or offer a formal certification program for CME professionals ….” 2. The Alliance will not develop or offer a formal certification program for CME professionals ….” Effective January 4, Effective January 4, 2006http://

Opportunities & Options Certification can benefit the CME Professional by: Positioning CME as a career pathPositioning CME as a career path Acknowledging competence; rewarding excellenceAcknowledging competence; rewarding excellence Motivating new learningMotivating new learning

Opportunities & Options Certification can benefit the employer by: Providing evidence of continuous improvementProviding evidence of continuous improvement Aiding in recruiting, evaluating, and promoting CME staffAiding in recruiting, evaluating, and promoting CME staff Reducing the risks of non-complianceReducing the risks of non-compliance

Opportunities & Options Certification can benefit the entire CME universe by: Increasing attendance at workshops and conferencesIncreasing attendance at workshops and conferences - sponsored by ACCME, SACME, the Alliance, State Societies, and others Protecting the public’s healthProtecting the public’s health

Thank you To download this slide presentation go to: Judy Ribble, PhD, FACME National Commission for Certification of CME Professionals