Your Path to Commendation
For some accredited CME providers, Accreditation with Commendation can feel like a reach goal—a step that might seem difficult to fit into an already full workload. The good news is that ACCME’s Menu of Commendation Criteria is designed to be flexible and allow you to build on your existing program.
Why Pursue Commendation?
Providers who achieve Accreditation with Commendation report increased innovation, improved outcomes, and enhanced visibility for their organization. To get one provider’s unique perspective, we spoke with Andrew Crim, Director of Education and Professional Development at the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG). By following the Menu of Commendation Criteria, Andrew was able to plan and deliver education in new ways—and show clearer results for his organization.
Commendation may be closer than you think
Accredited providers in the ACCME system that are seeking reaccreditation are eligible for Accreditation with Commendation. Although eligible, many organizations choose to forego the opportunity to apply. Consider taking a closer look at Commendation—and what it could do for your organization.
How Do You Get Started?
Andrew offers these tips to help get you started on your path to Commendation:
- Start small: Focus on criteria that align well with your program.
- Remember, a menu approach allows providers to select criteria that best meet their missions, portfolio of activities, etc.
- Take credit for what you do well: in some cases, a single individual CME activity can meet multiple criteria.
How Will You and Your Organization Benefit?
Accredited providers who pursue Accreditation with Commendation often experience an immediate difference in how they plan and execute their CME. “The Commendation Criteria encourage creativity in how you plan your CME,” Andrew says. “I find more joy in my work and in the relationships I have with faculty and planners.”
“Demonstrating success for my organization was a major milestone for me.”
Andrew credits the Commendation Criteria with two other major changes to his organization’s CME. “We’ve integrated patients into our CME. That’s huge and something the Commendation Criteria guided us through. In addition, our physician learners reported a marked improvement in their ability to diagnose uterine fibroids. Demonstrating success for my organization was a major milestone for me.”
ACCME-accredited providers who have achieved Accreditation with Commendation have reported a wide range of tangible outcomes: increases in cancer screenings, pediatric immunizations, and stroke identification, as well as improved timeliness of care. The Commendation Criteria offer a clear roadmap for organizations that once saw these goals as out of reach.
Resources to Help Guide You
We’ve compiled tools and tips here that you can use to integrate the Commendation Criteria into your accredited CME. You’ll find best practices and guidelines, as well as frequently asked questions. You can also reach out to ACCME with questions at info@accme.org.
