As an internal medicine physician, you’re frequently tasked with helping to solve some of the most complex, challenging and wide-ranging cases. Often called the “doctor’s doctor,” you play a uniquely vital role in healthcare. The value of your specialty only highlights the significance of earning internal medicine CME online, helping you stay current with the latest in your field.

Beyond fulfilling board requirements, continuing medical education can provide you with important information, updates, and practical advice. But for many busy physicians, finding a convenient time to earn credits can be difficult. Fortunately, you can easily find everything you need to earn your credits on your schedule with online CME for internal medicine.

What CME Credits Are Required for Internal Medicine?

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) requires diplomates to participate in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain ABIM certification. As part of the MOC program, you must earn at least 100 points every five years and meet the MOC assessment requirement through one of the following assessments: 1) the traditional, 10-year MOC exam, 2) the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA®), or 3) for cardiologists, a Collaborative Maintenance Pathway (CMP) assessment..

Traditionally, after earning the required MOC points, diplomates were required to complete a comprehensive exam every 10 years. While that’s still an option, ABIM also offers the LKA as an alternative, which allows you to renew your certification in five-year cycles by successfully completing 30 questions over each quarter.

CME requirements for internal medicine also vary depending on your state medical board. In general, most states require physicians to earn CME credits on an annual or semi-annual basis. It’s best to check with your specialty board for any additional internal medicine CME requirements, such as hours of CME, before setting your schedule.

5 Ways to Earn Internal Medicine CME Online

There are many convenient online CME media options for earning internal medicine CME credits while managing a busy schedule. Explore five flexible options that can help you expand your knowledge and meet your CME requirements.

Video On-Demand

Review on-demand video presentations and courses that can be accessed on your phone or personal device. These short, modular video lessons allow you to fit in learning during downtime throughout your workday. Many are designed to be viewed in 10-15 minute increments.

Curated Audio

Seek out curated audio programs. You can listen to a 15 minute expert clinical discussion during your commute or while exercising, for instance, to claim 0.25 credit hours. These audio-based CME options let you maximize otherwise unproductive time and keep your knowledge fresh.

Online Books and Journals

Access electronic textbooks and medical journals that offer online CME opportunities. Reading the latest research and guidelines in your specialty can earn you credits, and many publications have integrated CME quizzes directly into their digital content.

Self-Paced Courses

Complete recorded courses that you can work through at your own pace over time, such as internal medicine board review programs. These more in-depth online courses allow you to dive deep into a topic and earn a larger block of credits in a flexible timeframe.

Point-of-Care Resources

Utilize calculators and other tools embedded within your electronic medical record system that provide CME-eligible education. These point-of-care resources can reinforce best practices and earn you credits as you use them to inform patient care decisions.

4 Criteria for Selecting Online CME in Internal Medicine

With countless options available, choosing the right internal medicine online CME can feel overwhelming. By focusing on key criteria like learning style, time commitment, and provider credibility, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your professional goals. Discover the four factors to consider when selecting the best CME resources for your needs.

Choose CME That Matches Your Learning Style

Internal medicine encompasses a wide range of topics, making it crucial to select educational materials that suit your preferred learning approach. Are you a visual learner who benefits from reports and text summaries? Or do you absorb information better through audio content while on the go? The key is to choose resources that align with how you learn best, enabling you to deepen your understanding of healthcare and enhance your role within it.

Balance Time Commitment and Cost

Consider the time and financial investment required for each CME activity. Some options may demand a substantial time commitment, while others can be completed in just a few minutes a day. Evaluate what works best for your schedule and budget to help you earn CME credits fast without compromising quality or consistency.

Evaluate the Provider’s Credentials and Authority

Assess the credibility of the provider. Look for courses that offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, provided by an Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) provider or specialty-specific accrediting organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Prioritize evidence-based content that reflects the latest research and clinical guidelines. Ensuring the material is authoritative and up-to-date not only enhances your learning experience but also reinforces your ability to apply proven methods and best practices in your medical practice.

Align CME With Your Goals

Reflect on your current needs and future aspirations. Are you aiming to expand your expertise in a specific area of internal medicine? Or do you need a refresher on broader topics? Seek out a CME provider that offers a diverse range of courses, formats, and supporting materials to help you meet your objectives. A well-rounded selection ensures that you’re equipped to grow in your career and stay updated in this dynamic field.

Choose CME That Enhances Your Impact

Continuing education is a cornerstone of excellence in internal medicine, allowing you to refine your skills and stay current in a rapidly evolving field. Whether you’re deepening your expertise in a specialty or refreshing foundational knowledge, choosing the right way to earn internal medicine CME online empowers you to deliver the highest quality care to your patients.

Take the next step today and invest in your professional growth with online internal medicine CME.