Meeting CME (Continuing Medical Education) and MOC (Maintenance of Certification) requirements is a key part of maintaining your expertise as an emergency medicine physician, but with busy schedules and demanding shifts, it can be challenging to fit everything in. Luckily, there are smarter, more efficient ways to stay compliant while keeping your knowledge sharp and up-to-date. In this post, we’ll share practical strategies and resources to help you streamline the process, save time, and focus on delivering outstanding care to your patients.
- Many platforms cater specifically to emergency physicians, offering ABEM CME credits and MOC points in one place. Med-Challenger combines board review with CME credits and MOC alignment which allows for a smoother process.
- Why it’s efficient:
- On-demand access fits busy schedules.
- Content tailored to emergency medicine practice.
2. Conferences and Emergency Medicine-Specific Courses
- Examples include:
- ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians) Scientific Assembly: Offers live sessions, hands-on workshops, and CME/MOC credit opportunities.
- Essentials of Emergency Medicine: Known for engaging, concise, and practical presentations.
- Why it’s efficient:
- Earn a large number of CME credits in a short time.
- Networking opportunities and practical, real-world insights.
- Tip: Many conferences now offer virtual attendance options, saving travel time.
3. Performance Improvement (PI) Activities
- What it is: ABEM requires a PI activity as part of MOC. This often involves quality improvement projects within your hospital or department.
- Why it’s efficient:
- Can often be completed during routine departmental quality initiatives.
- Dual purpose: improves patient care and fulfills requirements.
- Tips:
- Partner with your institution’s quality improvement team to align PI activities with MOC.
4. Integrating Learning with Practice
- Point-of-Care CME:
- Earn credits for researching clinical questions in real time during patient care (e.g., UpToDate, DynaMed). Point of Care learning allows physician learners to engage in self-directed learning.
- Why it’s efficient:
- Passive and immediately applicable to clinical decision-making.
- Tips:
- Document learning moments regularly to claim maximum credits.
5. Bundled CME and MOC Packages
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Bundled CME/MOC packages are an efficient way to meet multiple requirements with a single resource. Platforms like Med-Challenger offer comprehensive solutions tailored to emergency physicians.
- Med-Challenger: Provides CME packages, including question banks, practice tests, and MOC alignment to help you prepare while earning credits. Try it for free and see why so many EM physicians choose to study with Med-Challenger.
- Adaptive Learning Programs: Platforms like Med-Challenger use adaptive learning technology to identify your knowledge gaps and focus your study time on areas where you need improvement, making the process both targeted and efficient.
Why it’s efficient:
- Combines CME and MOC in one product, saving time and effort.
- Focused content ensures you’re studying material directly relevant to emergency medicine practice.
These bundled plans streamline the process, allowing you to stay on top of requirements without juggling multiple resources.
6. Leverage Your Workplace
- Institutional Offerings: Hospitals or health systems often provide free or subsidized CME and MOC resources through partnerships with platforms like Med-Challenger.
- Why it’s efficient:
- Saves cost and effort in finding resources.
- Can often align with departmental learning objectives.
- Tip: Check with your hospital’s medical education office for opportunities.
7. ABEM’s MyEMCert
- What it is ABEM's MyEMCert: MyEMCert is a modular exam format introduced by ABEM that allows physicians to focus on specific areas of emergency medicine. ABEM has developed MyEMCert as the alternative to taking the ConCert Exam and completing LLSAs for ABEM MOC and recertification. The MyEMCert is designed to improve the recertification process, quality of practice knowledge, and quality of life for ABEM diplomates
- Why it’s efficient:
- Modular and open-book, with topics chosen by the physician.
- Completion of modules earns both MOC points and CME credit.
- Tips:
- Tackle topics aligned with your strengths or current practice focus to minimize prep time.
8. Plan Ahead and Combine Requirements
- Align CME and MOC deadlines with professional development goals and required licensure renewal timelines.
- Use a tracking tool or app (e.g., CME Tracker) to monitor your progress and avoid last-minute stress.
Prior CME
If you've completed CME activities within the past six months, you might already have credits that count toward your MOC requirements. To find out, contact the CME provider and ask if the activity is eligible for MOC credit. Additionally, you can check with your certifying board or use tools like ACCME’s CME Finder, which allows you to search for CME activities specifically aligned with MOC eligibility.
Why it’s worth checking:
- Saves time by leveraging completed activities.
- Ensures you’re getting maximum value out of prior learning efforts.
By reviewing your recent CME, you might be closer to fulfilling your MOC requirements than you think!
By utilizing a combination of these methods, you can efficiently fulfill CME and MOC requirements while staying current with the latest emergency medicine practices. The key is to integrate learning into your workflow, take advantage of multi-purpose resources, and plan strategically to maximize your time and effort.
