Continuing Medical Education as a tool for Postgraduate Qualification for Family Physicians

Abstract

Objective: To find the effectiveness of Continuing Medical Education (CME) program as a tool for professional development by comparing the passing rates of those doctors who participated in CME course with those who did not take the CME program.

Methodology: Doctors who appeared in Membership of Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) exam in 2007 and 2008 from Lahore Examination Center were included in the study. Their data was compiled from copies of their registration forms and results announced by Royal College of General Practitioners, UK.

Results: A total of 145 Family Physicians appeared in MRCGP Exam in 2007 and 2008. One hundred fourteen (78%) were members of CME and 31 (22%) were not. Twenty eight were successful in final part 2 of MRCGP Exam, out of which 27 (96% of 28) were CME members and one (6%) were non members.

Conclusion: Continuing Medical Education programs can also be used to prepare practicing Family Physicians for postgraduate exam.