Continuing Medical Education: 75 Years of Excellence

The Educational Institute celebrated the 75th anniversary of continuing medical education (CME) at Cleveland Clinic in 2008. CME provides ongoing educational enrichment to practicing physicians, and is required for professional re-certification in most states. At Cleveland Clinic, these educational programs are carried out by the Center for continuing Medical Education, under the direction of William Carey, MD.

CME began at Cleveland Clinic in 1933. That year, a course in ophthalmology was offered, and 25 physicians attended. In 2008, the Center offered almost 500 different activities
to nearly 100,000 attendees.

Known for innovation, the Center operates the world’s largest academic web-based CME program. Among its distinguished offerings is the Disease Management Project, a free online resource offering practical advice from Cleveland Clinic specialists on treating and managing the full range of human diseases and disorders. Also available as a printed book, the Disease Management Project has more than 250 chapters covering 13 specialties. The website also includes videos, podcasts and webcasting.

The Center also organizes world congresses for Cleveland Clinic staff. Recent events have included the World Congress of Endourology (2006), the Politzer Society (2007, an Otology meeting), and the upcoming World Congress for Bronchology (2012). These events will attract a combined 3,000 physicians from more than 30 countries. The economic impact of these three meetings on Greater Cleveland is estimated at $5 million. “It has been extremely gratifying to see the extent to which Cleveland Clinic has been committed to and fulfilled its promise to provide continuing medical education,” says Dr. Carey. “Not only to its own physicians, but to physicians and caregivers across the globe.”