ASPS continues streak of ACCME Accreditation with Commendation
ASPS has continued its streak of receiving the Accreditation with Commendation recognition from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The distinction holds for six years and again fortifies the Society's commitment to the highest level of education for its members.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication, hard work and innovative spirit of our tireless staff, educational team and our members who play a crucial role in executing the successful programming that continues to make ASPS a leader in the specialty," says ASPS President Steven Williams, MD.
According to ACCME, for organizations to be eligible for Accreditation with Commendation, CME providers must demonstrate compliance with core accreditation criteria. ACCME encourages and rewards accredited CME providers for implementing best practices in pedagogy, engagement, evaluation and change management, as well as a focus on generating meaningful outcomes. The organizations selected for distinction serve as a guidepost for the future of CME, advance interprofessional collaborative practice, address public health priorities, create behavioral change, show leadership, leverage educational technology and demonstrate the impact of education on healthcare professionals and patients. The five categories of ACCME's commendation criteria are:
- Promoting team-based education
- Addressing public health priorities
- Enhancing skills
- Demonstrating educational leadership
- Achieving outcomes
The ACCME Accreditation with Commendation allows ASPS to directly accredit educational activities for the next six years. Not only does that ensure the Society will continue to provide high-level educational opportunities throughout the year, but it also allows ASPS to keep the cost of educational programming lower than if third-party accreditation was necessary. The distinction also affords ASPS the opportunity to develop educational programming that specifically meets the needs and gaps of membership, ensuring that programming specifically meets the diverse needs of plastic surgeons. Once again, ACCME found ASPS to be in compliance with all guidelines, underscoring the Society's steadfast adherence to the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
The ACCME report also highlighted the Society's collaborative efforts with other medical organizations, as well as inclusion of interprofessional teams, patients, the public and students – all while demonstrating its commitment to holistic and inclusive education. ASPS was also acknowledged for innovation through initiatives such as the AHS Twitter Journal Club and implementation of "key takeaways" after the 2022 Spring Meeting.
"It not only speaks volumes about the Society's commitment to member education, but it also is proof of our ability to adapt to evolving educational needs while embracing cutting-edge methodologies that drive meaningful change," Dr. Williams says.