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Letters to the Editor Indian Pediatrics 2002; 39:984-985 |
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Conducting a CME Program |
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I read with interest the recent communication and rejoinders on the conduction of CME’s(1-3). Let me add a point or two. In Kerala, since the Health Department gives a small sum to conduct these CME’s and since this sum is invariably dolled out at the fag end of financial year, there is a crowding of CME’s during the months of February and March. Spreading out of CME’ s throughout the year should be the primary agenda. A sad aspect often noticed is that once the pre-lunch session is over, the hall becomes practically empty for the post-lunch session. It would be a good idea to have CME’s based on definite topics, choose 6 related topics, and finish off the sessions before lunch. If the CME starts at 9 A.M. sharp, one can have 6 half-hour sessions (20 minutes for the talk and 10 minutes for interaction) and serve lunch at 1 P.M. or at the most 1.30 P.M. This way, the delegates can catch an early train or bus and reach home before it is too late. The local delegates have a free evening at their disposal, all of which I feel would help in increasing the attendance at the CME. As already mentioned, the inaugural session should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. It is most irritating for the delegates to sit through boring inauguration sermons at a time when everybody is fresh and eager for scientific sessions. A feedback should be given to the speakers. Only then they get to know about their positive as well-as negative points. The feedback should be collected soon after the last session just before lunch, properly evaluated by the organizers and each speaker given an abridged version of the criticisms related to his talk. The lunch need be only a working lunch, which will help in reducing the expenses. If it is a 6 session pre-lunch CME, a cup of tea/coffee/snack to be served after the 2nd session and a cool drink at the end of 4th session. This will keep the delegates fresh through the sessions. There is no break in the sessions; volunteers serve these to the delegates during the sessions as silently as possible. Or a break could be allowed after the 2nd session. Another point worth mentioning is the gift given to the speakers. Very often what is given is a brass or bronze statue or a disc, which is absolutely of no use. The saddest aspect is that the organizers have to shell out Rs. 300-400 per speaker to buy such useless articles. My suggestion would be to give something useful. The gift could be (a) academic like a set of floppy discs, CD’s, OHP pens, laser pointer pen, box of OHP sheets or (b) non academic or domestic like pillow covers, bed sheets, bed spreads, casserole, time-piece, alarm clock etc. Depending on the money at the disposal of the organizers, a suitable gift could be bought. The speakers should also be given money to cover the expenses of their journey (preferably 2nd AC fare.) Lulu Mathews, Associate Professor in Pediatrics, Medical College Chest Hospital, M.G. Kavu P.O., Trissur 680 581.
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