[History of continuing medical education in the United States]

Continuing medical education came into being in the United States in the late twenties when the mediocrity of the initial medical training of practicing physicians was recognized. Medical schools created a classical system of continuing education; the first mandatory program was initiated in urology in 1934. By 1957, the first set of guidelines for good medical practice were published by the American Medical Association (AMA). The mandatory nature of continuing education was widespread by the end of the sixties with variable regulations from state to state. At the same time, the AMA created an honorary diploma for physicians who complete 150 h post-graduate training within 3 years. Starting in 1970, the political predominance of the AMA in continuing education was questioned by other professional associations (hospitals, medical schools). After much discussion and opposing debate, a common association for continuing education was created in 1981. The AMA remained a leader in the early nineties and now has started programs targeted to patients.