ABSTRACT
This study has been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the continuing medical education [CME] program in upgrading knowledge and professional skills of attending doctors. An analysis of 12 seminars from March 2014 to November 2015 was conducted. Each time pre-seminar and post-seminar tests were carried out that contain multiple choice questions [MCQs]. Changes in scores were analyzed to study the impact of the seminars on attendees. A total of 900 doctors turned up for the 12 seminars, 400 were the university alumni members and 500 belong from the non-university sector. Senior faculty members and medical students were excluded. 69% of the participants were male and the rest were females. The results indicated that the lectures did not significantly improve the knowledge of most doctors whereas interactive sessions and workshops had a better impact. Most participants attended the CME programs under compulsion to acquire CME hours/points rather than enhancing their knowledge and skills. Studies time off is not institutionalized. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that a different approach is needed if long term goal of obligatory recertification is to be achieved