Preamble

The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons early recognized its responsibility to provide continuing education to practicing physicians. In 1932, Dean Williard C. Rappleye, Dean of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, directed a study of continuing medical education for the Association of American Medical Colleges. In that report he stated:

"1) The education sequence from premedical education to retirement from practice should be looked upon broadly as a single problem, not a succession of isolated and unrelated experiences.

2) The continuing education of physicians is synonymous with good medical practice, and provisions should be made ultimately whereby every physician will be able to continue his education."

Mission Statement
Continuing Education

We continue to believe it is the obligation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons to provide opportunities for practicing physicians locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to review and keep abreast of the latest developments in their specific fields. This will include primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, as well as the entire range of medical specialties. In addition, we also feel an obligation to provide such learning opportunities for other health care professionals in allied fields such as physical therapy and respiratory therapy. Our program will therefore be organized to contain activities for a variety of audiences and multidisciplinary faculties.

Most Continuing Medical Education activities will be of a clinical nature. However, it is essential for health professionals to have an understanding of the science underlying any new technology or clinical practice. Our activities will make every effort to strike the appropriate balance between practical clinical needs and theoretical scientific background. We should also make an effort to have our activities include the complex ethical and public policy issues that are emerging in contemporary medicine.

Continuing Medical Education activities encompass a variety of educational formats including lectures, seminars, demonstrations, hands-on experience, print, audio-visual materials, telecommunication techniques and the internet. Newer educational technologies will be explored as they become available.
revised 5/04