FAQs - Committee on CME

No, CME activities are overseen by a planning group or editorial board.  The COCME does not directly plan any AAP CME activities or meetings/courses.  While the COCME has a liaison member on the National Committee Planning Group, the COCME is not responsible for facilitating the review/acceptance of session proposals.  AAP sections/councils and other constituent groups should work with their respective manager and National Conference Planning Group representative with questions on National Conference session proposals, planning processes, and guidelines

The COCME coordinates, monitors and evaluates the AAP CME/continuing professional development (CPD) program and its individual CME activities to ensure quality and consistency in the content development, design and delivery of educational activities and to provide oversight for the accreditation of the AAP CME/CPD program. A primary role of COCME is to ensure that the AAP CME/CPD program remains on the leading edge of pediatric CME. Thus, a critical function of the COCME is to recommend new directions and initiatives for the AAP CME/CPD program in consideration of sound educational practices based on the principles of adult learning theory and the most current and evidence-based CME research. 

The COPE functions as a think tank within the AAP for discussion, consensus building and collaboration with respect to emerging issues facing pediatric graduate medical education (GME). These include, but are not limited to, research, curriculum development, faculty development, outcome measures, practice issues and regulatory and legislative proposals as they relate to pediatric GME.  Representatives from a number of pediatric professional and educational organizations contribute to this process through appointed liaisons who report to COPE annually and contribute to activities throughout the year. The Committee reviews and monitors the field of pediatric education, identifying gaps or areas in need of enhancement and develops strategies and recommendations as needed.

The COCME can assist CME planners with questions regarding planning educational activities, conducting needs assessment, implementing innovative formats, selecting faculty, faculty development, etc.  The COCME is also available to provide one-on-one consultation, upon request.  Requests for COCME consultation may be directed to AAP staff member, Deborah Samuel (dsamuel@aap.org).