What Physicians Need to Know About Continuing Medical Education Requirements
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is an essential part of maintaining a physician’s medical license and professional standing. It ensures that doctors remain informed about the latest advancements in medical science , technology, treatments, and patient care strategies. While licensing boards mandate CME, physicians often pursue it not just to meet legal requirements but also to improve their clinical competence and patient outcomes. CME requirements vary significantly by state and medical specialty. Each state medical board sets its own guidelines, so physicians must stay up to date on both state and specialty-specific expectations. In most cases, these requirements must be met within a specified period, typically 1 to 3 years, as set by the board’s rules. Types of CME Activities CME can be categorized into two main types: Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 activities are typically more formal and structured, such as attending accredited medical conferences, completing online modu...