Dr. Mark Ferguson presents his talk as visiting professor in 2022
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Celebrating Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day

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Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day™ (January 24) is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the individuals who keep health care providers informed and equipped to deliver exceptional patient care.

At SIU School of Medicine, we are proud to celebrate our continuing medical education (CME) professionals, whose work fosters lifelong learning, strengthens interprofessional collaboration and drives improvements in health care outcomes. Their efforts not only help providers stay current with medical advancements but also directly contribute to safer, more effective patient care.

The impact of CME professionals
Accredited CME is a proven catalyst for positive change:

  • Improves patient outcomes: CME programs enhance performance, leading to better safety, stroke identification, cancer screenings and other critical interventions​.
  • Increases efficiency: By preventing unnecessary procedures and reducing hospital readmissions, accredited CME contributes to controlled health care spending​.
  • Supports provider well-being: CME participation is linked to reduced burnout and improved retention among health care professionals​.
  • Drives collaboration: Interprofessional CME empowers teams to work more effectively toward shared health care goals​.

This year, SIU School of Medicine’s Office of Continuing Professional Development is hosting an open house to recognize the creativity, expertise and dedication of the individuals who plan and deliver CME across our institution. This celebration highlights the transformative power of continuing education and the professionals behind it.

Healthcare Continuing Education Professionals Day™ was founded by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, The American Nurses Credentialing Center, Association for Hospital Medical Education, Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education, Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education and endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Together, we honor the work that makes a measurable difference in health care and inspires a brighter future for patients and providers alike.

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