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In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, staying current with the latest terminology is essential for providing the highest standard of patient care. Our comprehensive glossary is designed to support your CME with clear, concise definitions of key terms you need to know for your ongoing learning and practice.

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A

ABIM Audio

ABIM Audio provides audio resources for effective preparation for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exams.

Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education

Acronym: AGD PACE

The Academy of General Dentistry is an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education and reliable consumer information. Oakstone is an AGD Approved PACE Program Provider

Website: http://www.agd.org/

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

Acronym: ACCME

ACCME sets and enforces standards in physician education within the United States. They accredit Oakstone to provide CME to physicians.

Website: http://www.accme.org/

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Acronym: ACGME

ACGME is a private professional organization responsible for the accreditation of 8,887 residency education programs.

Website: http://www.acgme.org/acgmeweb/

Accredited CME

Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, programs, or providers officially recognized and approved by accrediting bodies or professional organizations to ensure they meet established standards of quality and educational effectiveness.

Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions

Acronym: ACEHP (formerly ACME)

The Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions is a community of professionals dedicated to accelerating excellence in health care performance through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Marc and Sandy are members.

Website: http://www.acehp.org/imis15/acme/

American Academy of Dermatology

Acronym: AAD

The Johns Hopkins University Practical Reviews in Dermatology (Program #524100 (various)) is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 4 AAD Recognized CME Credit(s) and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology’s Continuing Medical Education Award.

Website: http://www.aad.org/

American Academy of Family Physicians

Acronym: AAFP

Practical Reviews in Family Medicine has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 4 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians

Website: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html

American Academy of Neurology

Acronym: AAN

Former sponsor to the Practical Reviews in Neurology

Website: http://www.aan.com/

American Academy of Neurosurgeons

Acronym: AANS

Practical Reviews in Neurosurgery is accepted for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by the AANS for Neurosurgical Award and Maintenance of Certification

Website: http://www.aans.org/

American Academy of Orthodontics

Acronym: AAO

Practical Reviews in Orthodontics has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between the American Association of Orthodontists and Oakstone Medical Publishing.

Website: http://www.mylifemysmile.org/

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Acronym: AAPD

Practical Reviews in Pediatric Dentistry is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Website: http://www.aapd.org/

American Academy of Physician Assistants

Acronym: AAPA

National professional society for PAs in the United States

American Board of Internal Medicine

Acronym:

 

Website: link

American Board of Medical Specialties

Acronym: ABMS

Oversees 24 approved medical specialty boards

Website: http://www.abms.org/

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Acronym: ABPN

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology has reviewed Practical Reviews in Psychiatry and Neurology and has approved this program as part of a comprehensive lifelong learning (CME) program, which is mandated by the ABMS as a necessary component of maintenance of certification.

Website: http://www.abpn.com/

American Board of Radiology

Acronym: ABR

The American Board of Radiology accepts this CME certified activity towards the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ requirement as established in the maintenance of certification criteria.

Website: http://www.theabr.org/

American College of Cardiology

Acronym: ACC

No affiliation with Oakstone at this time

Website: http://www.cardiosource.org/acc

American College of Emergency Physicians

Acronym: ACEP

Practical Reviews in Emergency Medicine is approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 4.0 ACEP Category 1 credits per issue and is also eligible for 4.0 credit hours per issue in Category 2-B of the Continuing Education Program of the American Osteopathic Association, provided it is completed in its entirety.

Website: http://www.acep.org/

American College of Physicians

Acronym: ACP

Publishers of the MKSAP books and sponsor of the MKSAP Audio Companion

Website: http://www.acponline.org/

American College of Surgeons

Acronym: ACS

Publishers of the SESAP books and sponsor of the SESAP Audio Companion

Website: http://www.facs.org/

American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program

Acronym: ADA CERP

Through an application and review process, the ADA CERP evaluates and recognizes institutions and organizations that provide continuing dental education.

Website: http://www.ada.org/375.aspx

American Geriatric Society

Acronym: AGS

Publishers of the GRS7

Website: http://www.americangeriatrics.org/

American Hospital Association

Acronym: AHA

No affiliation with Oakstone at this time

Website: http://www.aha.org/

American Medical Association

Acronym: AMA

Set requirements for accredited providers must follow to be able to award AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

Website: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/home.page?

American Medical Association Physician Recognition Award

Acronym: AMA PRA

The American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award (PRA)and the related credit system recognize physicians who demonstrate their commitment to staying current with advances in medicine by participating in certified continuing medical education (CME) activities.

Website: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/education-careers/continuing-medical-education/physicians-recognition-award-credit-system.page?

American Nurses Credentialing Center

Acronym: ANCC

ANCC sets and enforces standards in nursing education within the United States. They accredit Oakstone to certify education for nurses and NP's.

Website: https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/

American Osteopathic Association

Association of American Medical Colleges

Acronym: AAMC

No affiliation with Oakstone at this time

Website: https://www.aamc.org/

Audio CME

Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities delivered in audio format, enabling healthcare professionals to listen to lectures, discussions, or presentations on medical topics and earn credits while engaging in other activities.


B

Become DOT Certified

Obtain DOT certification through comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals, enabling them to conduct Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examinations.

Best Internal Medicine CME

Discover the pinnacle of continuing medical education programs tailored for internal medicine professionals. These courses are meticulously designed to cater to the specific requirements of medical practitioners seeking excellence in their field. Explore the highest-quality CME programs focused on internal medicine topics at Oakstone.

Website: https://oakstone.com/specialties/internal-medicine-cme/

Best Online CME

Find superior online CME resources across various medical specialties, providing high-quality educational content for medical professionals.

Best Radiology CME

Explore premier CME courses specializing in radiology topics, offering comprehensive and up-to-date educational content for radiologists. Elevate your expertise with top-tier resources available at Oakstone.

Website: https://oakstone.com/specialties/radiology-cme/

Board Prep

Access preparation resources including courses, materials, and practice exams to help medical professionals prepare for specialty board examinations. https://oakstone.com/board-prep

Board Review

Comprehensive study materials and resources aimed at preparing healthcare professionals for specialty board certification or recertification exams, covering relevant topics and providing practice questions.

Breast Imaging CME

Enhance your skills with CME courses dedicated to breast imaging, providing updated knowledge and techniques for medical practitioners. https://oakstone.com/comprehensive-review-of-breast-imaging/

Website: https://oakstone.com/comprehensive-review-of-breast-imaging/

Breast Radiology CME

Delve into specialized CME resources dedicated to breast radiology, offering comprehensive educational content and updates in the field. Stay informed and sharpen your skills with focused educational materials available at Oakstone.

Website: https://oakstone.com/ucsf-breast-imaging/


C

Chronic Disease

A long-term medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, that requires ongoing management and treatment.

Cleveland Clinic Endocrine Board Review

Prepare for endocrinology board examinations with a comprehensive review course offered by Cleveland Clinic, covering relevant topics and updates.

Website: https://oakstone.com/intensive-review-of-endocrinology-and-metabolism/

Clinical education

Educational activities, experiences, or programs focused on the practical aspects of healthcare delivery, clinical practice, patient care, and medical procedures, aimed at enhancing the clinical skills and competence of healthcare professionals.

Clinical Pathway

A structured plan of care that outlines the optimal sequence of interventions and treatments for a specific medical condition or diagnosis.

Clinical Trial

A research study that tests the safety and efficacy of new drugs, medical devices, or treatments in humans.

Clinical updates

Timely and relevant information on advancements, changes, or discoveries in medical science, clinical practice guidelines, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, or healthcare policies.

CME audio lectures

Educational presentations or lectures on medical topics provided in audio format, designed to meet Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements and offer healthcare professionals a convenient method of accessing educational content.

CME Certificate Online

Obtain CME credits through convenient online certification programs, accessible from anywhere, anytime.

CME certification

Formal recognition or documentation awarded upon successful completion of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, indicating that a healthcare professional has fulfilled specific educational requirements and earned credits within a given time period.

CME credits

Units of credit awarded upon successful completion of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, indicating the amount of educational content completed by healthcare professionals and often required for maintaining licensure or certification.

CME Hematology

Stay current in hematology with CME resources offering updated knowledge and skills for medical professionals in this specialty.

Website: https://oakstone.com/specialties/hematology-cme

CME Medical Online Training

Access online training programs offering CME credits for medical professionals, providing flexible learning options via internet-based platforms.

CME online courses

Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses or modules accessible and completed over the internet, allowing healthcare professionals to engage in self-paced learning and earn credits without the need for physical attendance at traditional educational venues.

CME providers

Organizations, institutions, or entities offering Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, courses, programs, or resources for healthcare professionals, facilitating their professional development, skill enhancement, and knowledge acquisition.

CME subscriptions

Paid memberships or subscriptions granting access to a range of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, resources, and materials, allowing healthcare professionals to fulfill their educational requirements conveniently and comprehensively.

Continuing Medical Education

Acronym: CME

Lifelong learning activities designed to maintain and enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional competence of healthcare providers, often required for licensure renewal and staying updated with advancements in medical practice.

Council of Medical Specialty Societies

Acronym: CMSS

No affiliation with Oakstone at this time

Website: http://www.cmss.org/


D

Diagnostic Tests

Medical tests used to diagnose a patient's illness or condition, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies.

Doctor of Chiropractic

Acronym: DC

Doctor of Osteopath

Acronym: DO

AMA PRA Category 1 credits are also accepted for DO's as Category 2-B of the Continuing Medical Education Program of the American Osteopathic Association, provided it is completed in its entirety. DO stands for "Doctor of Osteopathy," and refers to a doctor who practices medicine whose medical school training included a focus on the muscular and skeletal systems to treat problems throughout the body.

DOT Medical Examiner Training

Get certified to conduct DOT medical examinations through specialized training programs for healthcare professionals.

Website: https://oakstone.com/nrcme-plus-examiner-training-system/

DOT Training

Access training programs providing certification for conducting DOT-related tasks, such as medical examinations, adhering to Department of Transportation regulations.

Website: https://oakstone.com/nrcme-plus-examiner-training-system/


E

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

Acronym: ECFMG

No affiliation with Oakstone at this time

Website: http://www.ecfmg.org/

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

A digital version of a patient's medical record that contains information such as medical history, diagnoses, allergies, and treatments.

Emergency Medicine Review Course

Prepare effectively for emergency medicine board examinations or enhance your knowledge and skills in the field with comprehensive review courses.

Endocrinology Board Review

Access comprehensive review courses tailored to prepare medical professionals for endocrinology board examinations.


F

Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board

Acronym: FCLB

925-NRCME for PACE credits for Chiropractors only

Website: http://www.fclb.org/

Federation of State Medical Boards

Acronym: FSMB

A national non-profit organization representing the 70 medical and osteopathic boards of the United States and its territories.

Website: http://www.fsmb.org/


G

General Surgery Board Review Course

Prepare for general surgery board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering essential topics and practice questions.

General Surgery RecertificationGeneral Surgery Board Review Course

Maintain your certification through continuing education and review courses tailored for surgeons in general surgery.

Geriatric Board Review Course

Prepare effectively for geriatric board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering relevant topics and updates in geriatric medicine.

Geriatric Review Syllabus(edition)

Acronym: GRS9

A valuable resource for all health care providers who want to stay up-to-date in geriatric medicine and for those who are preparing for Board Examinations.

Website: https://www.oakstone.com/grs9-geriatrics-review-syllabus-ninth-edition-audio-companion


H

Harvard Board Review Oncology

Prepare for oncology board examinations with high-quality review courses provided by Harvard Medical School.

Harvard Internal Medicine Board

Gain an edge in preparing for internal medicine board examinations with meticulously crafted comprehensive review courses offered by Harvard Medical School. Benefit from the prestigious institution's expertise and resources to excel in your certification journey. https://oakstone.com/specialties/internal-medicine-cme/

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes or access to healthcare that are associated with factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Health Information Management

The practice of organizing, analyzing, and maintaining patients' medical information and records.

Health Promotion

Strategies and interventions designed to improve overall health and prevent illness, such as education, healthy lifestyle habits, and community-based programs.

Healthcare Administration

The management of healthcare systems, organizations, and facilities, including planning, budgeting, and oversight of staff and resources.

Healthcare training

Educational activities and programs aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, and competencies of healthcare professionals, encompassing formal training sessions, workshops, simulations, and other learning opportunities relevant to medical practice.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law that protects the privacy and security of patients' medical information.


I

Informed Consent

The process of obtaining permission from a patient to perform a medical treatment or procedure after providing them with information about the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Intensive Review of Internal Medicine

Delve deep into essential topics and elevate your preparation for internal medicine board examinations with comprehensive review courses that offer an in-depth exploration of crucial subjects. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your certification endeavors. https://oakstone.com/specialties/internal-medicine-cme/

Internal Medicine Board Review

Tailor your preparation for internal medicine board examinations with specialized review courses that cover relevant topics and incorporate the latest updates in the field. Ensure thorough understanding and readiness to ace your certification exams. https://oakstone.com/specialties/internal-medicine-cme/

Interprofessional Collaboration

The practice of healthcare professionals from different disciplines working together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients.


M

Maintenance of Certification

Acronym: MOC

A formal means of measuring a physician’s continued competency in his or her certified specialty and/or subspecialty. By following MOC, physicians demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and ongoing self-assessment to advance specialty practice.

Website: https://www.abms.org/Maintenance_of_Certification/ABMS_MOC.aspx

Mammo CME

Access CME resources focusing on mammography, offering educational content and updates to enhance skills and knowledge in this field.

Mammography CME Online

Access convenient online CME courses covering mammography topics, providing updated knowledge and techniques for medical practitioners.

Mayo Cardiology CME

Access specialized CME courses and resources focusing on cardiology topics, provided by Mayo Clinic.

Medical audio courses

Educational courses or modules in medicine delivered in audio format, enabling healthcare professionals to learn and acquire knowledge on various topics through listening, often suitable for on-the-go learning or multitasking.

Medical Courses

Access educational courses covering various medical topics, designed to provide updated knowledge and skills to medical professionals.

Medical Device

A tool, machine, or other product used in healthcare, such as a prosthetic limb, pacemaker, or diagnostic imaging system.

Medical Doctor

Acronym: MD

Most of Oakstone's customers are "MD's". MD stands for "Medical Doctor," and is the most common type of degree earned by doctors who practice medicine in the United States.

Medical e-learning

Educational activities, courses, or materials in the medical field delivered through electronic or digital platforms, including online modules, interactive tutorials, virtual simulations, and other e-learning resources tailored for healthcare professionals.

Medical Education Credit

Obtain credits through participation in medical education activities, often required for maintaining licensure or certification.

Medical education resources

Various materials and tools for learning and teaching in medicine, including textbooks, journals, online courses, videos, and other educational resources tailored for healthcare professionals.

Medical Ethics

The moral principles that guide healthcare professionals in making decisions related to patient care, including respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Medical Examiner Practice Test

Prepare effectively for medical examiner certification examinations with practice tests covering relevant topics and practice questions.

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program

MSK Radiology CME

Immerse yourself in CME resources focusing on musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology, offering educational content and updates in the field. Enhance your knowledge and proficiency in MSK radiology through specialized educational materials.


N

National Board of Medical Examiners

Acronym: NBME

An independent, not-for-profit organization that serves the public through its high- quality assessments of healthcare professionals.

Website: http://www.nbme.org/about/index.html

Nephrology Board Review

Prepare for nephrology board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering essential topics and practice questions.

NIH Endocrine Board Review

Prepare for endocrine board examinations with review courses provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), covering relevant topics.

NRCME

Access training and certification programs under the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for conducting DOT medical examinations. https://oakstone.com/nrcme-plus-examiner-training-system/

NRCME FMCSA DOT Gov

Get information and resources related to NRCME and DOT regulations through the official website, facilitating certification for medical examiners. https://oakstone.com/nrcme-plus-examiner-training-system/

Nurse Practitioner

Acronym: NP

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, formulate and prescribe treatment plans.

NYU Radiology CME

Explore CME courses and resources provided by New York University (NYU), focusing on radiology topics. Benefit from the expertise of NYU in radiology education to advance your knowledge and skills.


O

Oncology Board Review Questions

Prepare for oncology board examinations with practice questions designed to enhance knowledge and test-taking skills.

Online CME

Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities accessible and completed over the internet, allowing healthcare professionals to participate in educational courses and earn credits remotely.

Online Medical Conferences

Conferences, meetings, or symposiums in the medical field conducted virtually over the internet, allowing healthcare professionals to attend lectures, presentations, discussions, and networking events remotely from any location with internet access.

Outpatient Care

Online Medical Conferences Conferences, meetings, or symposiums in the medical field conducted virtually over the internet, allowing healthcare professionals to attend lectures, presentations, discussions, and networking events remotely from any location with internet access.


P

Palliative Care

A specialized type of medical care that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, by managing symptoms and providing emotional and spiritual support.

Patient-Centered Care

An approach to healthcare that prioritizes the patient's needs, preferences, and values, and involves them in decisions about their own care.

Pediatrics Board Review Course

Prepare for pediatrics board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering essential topics and practice questions.

Physician Assistant

Acronym: PA

A physician assistant in the US/Canada, or physician associate in the UK is a health care practitioner who practices medicine in collaboration with physicians. PAs may practice autonomously and independent of Physicians depending on the legislation in the state or province the PA practices.

Physician education

Educational initiatives and resources aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and clinical competence of physicians, encompassing formal training programs, continuing education activities, and professional development opportunities.

Population Health

The study and improvement of health outcomes for entire populations, rather than just individual patients.

Practical Reviews

Acronym: PR

Journal Review subscription

Website: https://www.practicalreviews.com/Main/Home.aspx

Pulmonary Board Review Course

Prepare for pulmonary board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering essential topics and practice questions.


Q

Quality Improvement

The process of evaluating and improving healthcare practices and systems to enhance patient outcomes and experiences.


R

Radiology CME 2024

Stay current with updated radiology CME resources specifically applicable to the year 2024. Access timely educational content to stay abreast of the latest advancements in radiology practice and technology.

Rheumatology Board Review Course

Prepare for rheumatology board examinations with comprehensive review courses covering essential topics and practice questions.


S

Self Assessment Module

Acronym: SAM or SA-CME

Physicians participate in self-assessment programs that meet specialty-specific standards that are set by their member board.

Website: http://www.abms.org/Maintenance_of_Certification/MOC_competencies.aspx

Self-Assessment Program

Acronym: SAP

Internal generic term for products that aren’t CME Info or subscription products. Not everything we call SAP is an actual self-assessment program, rather “other medical”.

Surgical Educational and Self-Assessment Program

Acronym: SESAP

The books that the SESAP Audio Companion is based off. ABS board preparation course.

Website: http://www.facs.org/education/sesap/index.html


T

Telemedicine

The use of technology to provide medical care remotely, often via video conferencing or other digital communication tools.

The American Board of Surgery

Acronym: ABS

There is no ABS approval process for self-assessment activities. If the activity meets the criteria above, it will count toward MOC Part 2. Hospitals, societies and other organizations should feel free to create their own programs.

Website: http://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?exam-moccme


U

UCSF Primary Care CME

Access CME courses and resources provided by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), tailored to primary care practitioners.


V

Vascular Surgery Board Prep

Prepare for vascular surgery board examinations with comprehensive preparation resources including courses, materials, and practice exams.

Vascular Ultrasound CME

Access CME resources focusing on vascular ultrasound, offering educational content and updates to enhance skills and knowledge in this field.


W

World Class CME

Acronym: WCC

Jointly sponsors with Oakstone to turn live courses into enduring materials.

Website: http://www.wccme.net/