A new workshop, “Critical Skill Building for the New CME Paradigm,” will be launched May 11 to 12 at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. Jointly sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Medical School, Office of CME, Madison; Steve Passin & Associates, LLC; and AXDEV Global, Norfolk, Va., the conference will prepare CME providers to deal with the changing CME environment. It will address issues such as new types of credit, physician competencies, relationships with commercial supporters, and requirements for managing and resolving conflicts of interest.

“This conference is all about how to reposition yourself to be ready to do needs assessment, outcomes measurement, and all the other things necessary to really make a difference to the physician and, ultimately, the patient,” says Steve Passin, president of Passin & Associates, Newtown Square, Pa. “The Alliance has come up with a new set of skills, and if you don't have them, you better learn quickly if you want to compete.”

The planners say the program will be highly interactive, incorporating learning contracts, as well as time for reflection, journaling, and ongoing assessment. Passin adds that the workshop is not for everyone. “It's built as a high-level program for experienced CME people."

For more information, go to www.passinassociates.com/workshops.htm.