Most efficient way to earn CMEs?

[WorkaholicsAnon]

Just went through my first physician's license renewal. Now I have to start earning CMEs. I've embarrasingly been sort of oblivious as to how people do this, other than going to certain talks, but even then I'm not totally sure what you have to do to get CME credit for having attended the talks?

What are some good, efficient ways to rack up the CME credits? I know doing MKSAP questions can be one way... any other activities along these lines?

Oh also, I'm going to be starting fellowship next July. In that case, does just being a fellow obviate the need for CMEs? My next license renewal is going to be in 2013, so I will have done 1.5 years of fellowship by then. Or do i still need to do CMEs for the time i'm not a fellow?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It depends what you mean by "efficient". Efficient in time, or in money?

In time, a national meeting is easy. You go to ACP or choose your fav meeting, and can rank up hours and hours of CME. Can be expensive, although there are some very cheap or free meetings which if you live close can be done on the cheap.

Money, some journals have CME -- you read an article, answer some MCQ questions about it, and send it back in. Some of these are free/throw aways, and if you do them regularly you can get credits.

Grand rounds is an option. Some places broadcast MGR on the web, and you can still get credit watching from your desk. Free.

Fellowship -- it's state dependent, but most states will give you enough credits for your fellowship to re-up your license.

 

[WorkaholicsAnon]

It depends what you mean by "efficient". Efficient in time, or in money?

In time, a national meeting is easy. You go to ACP or choose your fav meeting, and can rank up hours and hours of CME. Can be expensive, although there are some very cheap or free meetings which if you live close can be done on the cheap.

Money, some journals have CME -- you read an article, answer some MCQ questions about it, and send it back in. Some of these are free/throw aways, and if you do them regularly you can get credits.

Grand rounds is an option. Some places broadcast MGR on the web, and you can still get credit watching from your desk. Free.

Fellowship -- it's state dependent, but most states will give you enough credits for your fellowship to re-up your license.

Awesome! Thanks aPD, I like all the ideas you suggested there...

So if i go to a grand rounds, how do i get CME credit for it? Is there a quiz at the end? Or do i just keep a log of talks that i've been to and report it in good faith?

For any of those options suggested above, how do people keep track of their CME credits?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

There should be some sort of evaluation form at the end, or some way that attendance is taken. If you watch it online, there will be some sort of web based form (or they may not offer CME credit on the web). At the end of the year, they will send you some sort of report, or you'll have a website to log into which will show your CME transcript.

 

[porthcurno]

I am licensed, but not board eligible and not in a residency or fellowship. Last was in residency in June. Do I need to do CME? How much?

 

[WorkaholicsAnon]

There should be some sort of evaluation form at the end, or some way that attendance is taken. If you watch it online, there will be some sort of web based form (or they may not offer CME credit on the web). At the end of the year, they will send you some sort of report, or you'll have a website to log into which will show your CME transcript.

Who is "they"? the hospital? or the Board?

 

[gutonc]

Who is "they"? the hospital? or the Board?

Whoever is providing the CME.

 

[DrJosephKim]

There are a number of websites that offer free cme. Type "Free CME" into Google and you'll find a ton!

 

[gutonc]

I am licensed, but not board eligible and not in a residency or fellowship. Last was in residency in June. Do I need to do CME? How much?

Yes. Check with the board that licensed you. Also, we're nearing the end of the calendar year which is when most boards require you to verify your CME. If you just finished residency in June (and had your license before that) it's likely that the first 6 months of the year gave you enough CME credit for the year. But check now...you may need to find yourself a meeting to go to in the next couple of months.

 

[gutonc]

What are some good, efficient ways to rack up the CME credits? I know doing MKSAP questions can be one way... any other activities along these lines?

I think that attending regional/national meetings is probably the "easiest" most efficient way to do it. If you're going to those anyway (or would like to), you can usually soak up enough CME credits from 1 or 2 of them (or a local review of a national meeting if you don't want to pay travel costs) to cover you for the year.

 

[DIce3]

Medscape. 24/7 online. Totally free. Big selection of CME topics.

 

[WorkaholicsAnon]

awesome thanks everyone for the great advice!!

 

[porthcurno]

Thanks @gutonc!