If you’ve made it here, you might be wondering how to make your CME experience a little more enjoyable. Luckily, vacation CME conferences are a great way to explore the world while earning the credits you need to stay licensed.
Destination or travel CME conferences take place all over the United States, from the sunny beaches of Florida to the city life of San Diego. So, if you’re ready to explore, getting started with vacation CME is easy with our six-step guide!
1. Decide What You’d Like to Learn
Before doing anything else, you should think about the topics you’d like to study. In general, most people will choose topics that are in:
- Their specialty, such as pediatrics or family medicine
- Other areas of interest, like skin disorders or infectious diseases
- Specific workplace skills, such as leadership and communication
States, employers or professional organizations may also have specific requirements for CME content. So, while it’s beneficial to think about what you’re interested in, you must also consider what you need to do to maintain licensure and certification.
2. Choose a Destination
Once you know which topic you’re looking for, you can find providers offering that content in unique locations. For example, some CME providers offer conferences in Florida, the Carolinas or San Diego. Others are near popular tourist destinations, such as Niagara Falls and Las Vegas.
When deciding which conferences to consider, think about what you want to get from a CME vacation. Do you want to relax on a beach all afternoon or go sightseeing in the city? Or, maybe you’d rather hit up a local theme park or relax with friends at a hotel with resort-style amenities.
Just keep in mind that the location you pick also needs to fit into your overall budget. While your employer should provide a CME allowance, it’s your responsibility to know what parts of the trip it covers.
3. Check Out Schedules
Another point to consider is the conference schedule. While many destination CME providers offer half-day or mornings-only sessions, others do not. To maximize your vacation opportunity, opt for a schedule that leaves you with plenty of free time.
If that’s not an option, you can consider extending your stay on a trip with a more compressed schedule. Consider how much time you can take off from work, family obligations and weather preferences when looking at dates and schedules.
4. Ensure the Provider Is ACCME Accredited
Finally, before signing up for anything, it’s critical to ensure that the CME provider is accredited by the ACCME.
Accreditation ensures that the content is high quality and qualifies for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
5. Register and Book Accommodations
Once you have these factors sorted out, register for the CME conference of your choice and book accommodations. Try signing up as early as possible, as many providers offer discounted rates for early birds.
Depending on your distance from the location, you may need to book airfare, train or bus tickets. Additionally, you should reserve lodging, whether that’s the same hotel as the conference or one that better suits your needs.
6. Reap the Benefits of Travel CME
As the event rolls around, prepare to enjoy the benefits of travel medical seminars! Some of the advantages you can get out of the experience include:
- CME credits
- Networking opportunities
- Interactive workshops and discussions
- Learning in a relaxed environment
- New and engaging perspectives
- Career opportunities
- Latest knowledge on best practices and new technologies
On a personal level, travel CME for physicians makes it easy to have fun while learning, whether you attend alone or with others. Spend the evening at the beach with family, meet up with former classmates or explore the city alone—the choice is yours!
If you’re ready to embark on an exciting adventure in a new location, we’ve got you covered. Browse our destination CME conferences today to find one that fits your needs!