Continuing Medical Education (CME)

UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, comprised of Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Methodist West Hospital and Blank Children's Hospital, is accredited by the Iowa Medical Society to sponsor continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. More than 600 CME programs receive credit through UnityPoint Health - Des Moines each year. 

Upon receipt of all appropriate forms and fees, and when all activities are properly planned and implemented, the Director of Medical Education will approve the issuance of CME Category 1 credit for direct and joint sponsored educational programs.

UnityPoint Health - Des Moines views CME as educational activities which serve to maintain, develop or increase the knowledge, skills and professional performance and relationships that a physician uses to provide care for patients. The content of CME is that body of knowledge and skills generally recognized and accepted by the medical profession as within the basic medical sciences, the discipline of clinical medicine and the provision of health care to the public.

Organizations not accredited to sponsor CME activities may request joint sponsorship with UnityPoint Health - Des Moines. All organizations must meet the Iowa Medical Society Essentials and Standards for Commercial Support.

A category 1 CME activity should cover a subject or topic area in scope and depth appropriate for the intended audience. The activity should be planned, conducted and evaluated in terms of educational objectives which define the level of knowledge of specific skills to be attained by persons participating in the activity. When sponsoring a CME activity, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines must be involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the program to the extent that it can document full compliance with the Essentials of the Iowa Medical Society.

For further information on the application process or issues regarding commercial support of CME programs, please contact Quinn Turner or Jana Mishler at (515) 241-6266.