CME for doctors: Opportunity for International Profession Exchange

Many international health projects include training and clinical updates of doctors in efforts to address public health issues. Yet there is little incentive in most developing countries for doctors to attend training. A multi-country review shows most doctors receive an initial license to practice based on a medical degree and then renew the license based on payment of fees. Clients therefore often receive treatment based on outdated knowledge.

To improve the quality of private provider's health services, a USAID-funded project in Jordan partnered with the Jordan Medical Council – known mostly for specialist Board examinations, to raise awareness of the benefits of a formal mandatory structure supporting Continuing Medical Education/Professional Development (CME/PD). The project sponsored policy papers comparing the Jordan system to international and regional regulations and highlighted the need for legal and structural change to require CME, eg, for maintenance of a license to practice. Assistance from US professional organizations, including the Accreditation Council for CME ( ACCME) and the American Medical Association (AMA) helped to establish the path for formal CME and a high level conference provided the endorsement for next steps. Guidelines and standards for accreditation of CME activities and of CME providers are now under review.

Accreditation and CME/CPD are the next steps in medical system improvement in developing countries and established organizations in the US can provide guidance in best practices, based on years of experience.