SUMMARY

Last year, the pharmaceutical industry provided $1.19 billion to sponsor CME programs ($1.44 billion if you include advertising and exhibits at CME events). That's about 60% of all sources of funding for CME reported by ACCME.

A task force of the American Psychological Association (APA) recently recommended that its 148,000 members "turn their nose up at pharma funds; limit the role industry plays at professional conferences, meetings and CME sessions; and adopt strict guidelines on conflict-of-interest disclosure."

Congress continues to examine pharma industry support of CME and ACCME has issued some new guidance for accredited CME providers.

This article examines the current state of industry support for CME and what reforms may be coming down the pike.

Topics and issues covered include:

• Impact on MECCs
• Influence Within Medical Schools
• What About Physician Societies?
• Fixing the "Problem"
• Virtually Free CME?
• The CME Evolutionary Horizon