Examining the value of commercially supported CME

Abstract

Commercial support of continuing medical education/continuing professional development (CME/CPD) is a fact of life currently, though under attack from several sources. Does it have a positive or negative value to industry, to physicians, to society, and to CME professionals? There is sufficient evidence to support positive value to industry. There is insufficient evidence to support positive or negative value to physicians or society. There is reason to continue commercial support while broadening the base of support beyond the pharmaceutical industry, not only to avoid perception of bias but also to address CME/CPD needs that do not fit in therapeutic categories. CME professionalism does not depend on commercial support.