As the recognized leader in integrative medicine education and advancement, ACAM focuses on scientific rigor, excellence in education, and compliance with all industry standards. ACAM's advanced approach to healthcare focuses on a patient-centered care model. We advance health outcomes through the clinical instruction of preventive medicine and safe/effective integrative treatment options offered in conjunction with current standard of care. We work with ACAM faculty to evaluate the evidence that underlies their materials, selecting the most valid and reliable evidence for the topic being addressed; topics may include philosophy, principles, basic science, and clinical applications. For clinical applications, a hierarchy of evidence (highest to lowest validity) can help to select the best science available. An example of such a hierarchy might include: meta-analysis; randomized clinical trials; non-randomized controlled trials; well-designed cohort or case-control analysis; expert consensus; epidemiological and descriptive studies; expert opinions and case reports. We work with our presenters to identify the level(s) of evidence used in preparing materials for lecture, so that we, in turn, can report our level of scientific rigor to our accrediting agency, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). ACAM's educational programs provide instruction in current standard of care as well advanced integrative therapies that can be used when appropriate to maximize health outcomes. ACAM fully complies with ACCME Essential Elements and standards for Commercial Support. In addition, we observe PhRMA and AdvaMed voluntary guidelines and adhere to our own ethics policies and procedures in our operations. Purpose The purpose of the American College for Advancement in Medicine's (ACAM) educational program is to meet the educational needs of the lifelong physician learner by providing evidence-based educational activities to advance skills and knowledge in Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine (CAIM). The CME activity educates the physician learner on CAIM treatment options for the care and well being of the clinical patient. Target Audience ACAM educational activities are designed to educate a wide range of physicians as well as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists and Physicians Assistants. ACAM’s educational offerings are available to national and international healthcare practitioners. Types of Activities CME offerings include the following:
CME activities are committee-reviewed and uphold the criteria for continuing medical education of the ACCME and the AMA. Expected Results ACAM will routinely measure the effectiveness of its CME program by employing a variety of online and offline evaluations. Examples of prognostic tools include needs assessment surveys, speaker evaluations, overall conference evaluations, and pre and post conference evaluations to determine change in competence and performance. ACAM will appropriately address cultural and linguistic competencies and other desirable physician attributes in CME activities. Feedback of our programs are routinely monitored and is required of participants at all educational activities. Criteria for determination of success in a CME activity are:
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