CME

AFSUMB definition of CME describes what content is acceptable for activities that are certified for credit:

Continuing medical education consists of educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance that a physician uses to provide diagnostic ultrasound services for patients, the public, or the profession. The content of CME is that body of knowledge and skills generally recognized and accepted by the profession as within the basic medical sciences, the discipline of diagnostic medical ultrasound, and the provision of health care to the public.

CME activities comprise formal and structured learning opportunities offered at National and International level by recognized educational or scientific institutions, or professional bodies. The CME Providers accredited in this group are:

1. Asian Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology [AFSUMB]
2. World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology [WFUMB]
3. Other International Organizations in Ultrasound recognized by AFSUMB
4. National Organization in Ultrasound affiliated to AFSUMB
5. Organization in Ultrasound recognized by AFSUMB affiliated organization of that country
6. Organization in Ultrasound recognized by AFSUMB where AFSUMB affiliated society not present

The activities are usually scheduled and held at venues that would allow all concerned practitioners to attend.

Educational activities, in general, entitle the participants to claim 1 credit of CME for one contact hour of educational activity. Lectures, symposia, seminars etc. that are structured and formal come in this group.

Credits for group learning sessions and practical/clinical training sessions are calculated at the rate of 0.5 credits per contact hour.

A single lecture presentation will entitle the participant to claim a maximum of one credit point, irrespective of the duration of the presentation.

Maximum allocation of CME Credits as below:

1. AFSUMB Congress: 40 CME Credit Points
2. WFUMB Congress: 40 CME Credit Points
3. AFSUMB Workshop: 30 CME Credit Points
4. WFUMB Workshop: 30 CME Credit Points
5. Program of International Organization: 20 CME Credit Points
6. AFSUMB Affiliated Society Congress: 20 CME Credit Points
7. Other Programs: 10 CME Points

Scientific papers published in AFSUMB Journals and in Journal of the Affiliated Societies entitle the author[s] to CME Credit as follows:

1. 1st [or single] author and Corresponding author - 10 CME Credits for AFSUMB Journal and 5 CME Credits for Journal of the Affiliated Societies
2. 2nd author [when only 2 authors] - 6 CME Credits for AFSUMB Journal and 3 CME Credits for Journal of the Affiliated Societies
3. Other than 1st author [when more than 2 authors] - 4 CME Credits each for AFSUMB Journal and 2 CME Credits for Journal of the Affiliated Societies
4. AFSUMB CME Credits for Journal Readers: The Journal may apply for allocation of AFSUMB CME Credit Points for individual article.

In some Affiliate Society Countries the allocation of credit points varies significantly from that of AFSUMB Credit Point allocation. These societies may apply for setting equivalence of AFSUMB Credit Point with that of their own systems. Sufficient supporting papers should accompany the application form.

Non-educational activities such as service on a medical society may not be cited for claiming CME credit.

A ‘Commercial interest’ is any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients

AFSUMB does not consider providers of clinical service directly to patients to be commercial interests.

A commercial interest is not eligible for AFSUMB CME Credit.

The CME providers will apply in advance [At least 2 months before the Scientific Program] to the Chairman of the AFSUMB Education Committee, Secretary of the AFSUMB, and President of the AFSUMB Education Committee for ‘AFSUMB CME Credit’. The following documents should accompany the application:

1. Organization/ CME Providers details
2. Tentative program containing
   1. What type of program
   2. Dates of the program
   3. Venue of the program
   4. Contents of the program
   5. Estimated time to complete the educational activities
   6. Method of participation in the learning process
3. Category of intended participants
4. Principal faculty and their credentials
5. Endorsement from AFSUMB Affiliated Society [where necessary]

AFSUMB Education Committee will discuss about the application amongst them through post, e-mail, or in a meeting. Education Committee will allot ‘AFSUMB CME Credit’ and will refer it to AFSUMB Secretary and AFSUMB President for formal allocation.

The ‘AFSUMB CME Credit’ statement and AFSUMB Logo must appear on all CME activity materials and brochures distributed by the organization. The statement does not need to be included on initial announcements.

After completion of the program, the CME Provider Organization will submit a report to the AFSUMB Secretary and/or the AFSUMB Education Committee Chairman, AFSUMB Secretary, and AFSUMB President.