[The credit system. Post-graduate medical education and continuous medical education]

The author examines the objectives behind the possible adoption of a Credit System by the Portuguese Medical Association. Credits are units that allow physicians to keep a record of their educational and professional undertaking. The paper defines Postgraduate Medical Education and Continuing Medical Education and specifies to which group of physicians each term applies. It describes the types of activities and objectives of each form of medical education and explains the philosophy underlying both. The author also urges that the Portuguese Medical Association set up essential structures to ensure the efficient functioning of the system. The paper outlines the criteria to be used for awarding Credits and discusses the natures of credit-granting institutions. The Credits are grouped into pre-defined Categories of differing weight. The author also recommends a credit value for each activity and, taking into account the nature of each activity, assigns it to a specific Category. Several types of Forms for Applying for and Registering Credits are shown. The information on these Forms is to go on the physicians record, to be filed on a database with the Portuguese Medical Association at a place set aside for the purpose.