What the Blazes is CME?

Write Medicine

Do you know the difference between CME, CE, CPD, and lifelong learning? Confused by all the terminology in continuing education for health professionals?

Understanding the distinctions is key to navigating the world of accredited education and critical for delivering patient care based on the latest clinical evidence.

These terms are like a variety of dishes at a buffet.

CME is like a specially crafted, formal meal designed for licensed physicians, complete with specific flavors and presentations.

CE, on the other hand, is the all-you-can-eat buffet, offering a wide range of options tailored to the entire healthcare team, from the savory entrees for physicians to the sweet desserts for nurses, pharmacists, and physician assistants.

Meanwhile, CPD is like a cooking class that teaches not just recipes, but also the skills and techniques needed to become a versatile and accomplished chef, incorporating a mix of culinary, business, and professional development competencies.

Just as lifelong learning is a continuous process of exploring new culinary delights, learning new skills, and combining different ingredients to create a fulfilling professional journey.

Today's introductory primer breaks down the terminology in simple terms. Tune in to get clarity on continuing medical education once and for all.

Time Stamps

• (00:08) - Introducing the Monday Mentor series
• (01:12) - The difference between CME, CE, and CPD
• (03:56) - Defining lifelong learning
• (05:06) - What CME is not
• (05:52) - 4 takeaways from today's Monday Mentor

Transcript

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