Physicians attend medical educational meetings to learn new information and stay up to date on on diagnostic tools and therapies that can help us in our practice. We also expect to receive CME credits that are required for state license renewal and academy credit.

The PDA partners with a joint sponsor so that physician attendees can receive AMA PRA Category I credit at our Annual Meeting. The task of satisfying the ACCME requirements for these credits has become increasingly more rigorous. The accrediting bodies now require that attendees provide specific input as to how the information learned not only met expectations, but how it will impact how you treat patients and improve outcomes.

In addition, there is also an increased emphasis on physicians providing input on what subject matter should be covered in future meetings and identify educational gaps that exist within dermatology. As an example, you may indicate you would like to see a program on Melanoma as part of the 2010 meeting, but it's not enough. We are required to ask you, "What do you want to learn in the area of Melanoma?" and put together a session based on those suggestions.

The PDA needs your help so we satisfy these CME requirements and continue to offer credit. Next month, we will be circulating an Educational Needs Assessment to all members that we encourage you to carefully complete and provide us with your valuable feedback. Please note that we need as many responses as possible. In addition, at the Annual Meeting in Portland this August, we will be requesting input on how the subject matter presented will specifically help you in your practice and if it fills in gaps in your knowledge. We will also ask for suggestions on topics for our 2010 meeting - please remember to be very specific.

I look forward to seeing many members in Portland this summer.