Definition of Journal CME

Per the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), a journal-based CME activity includes the reading of an article (or adapted formats for special needs), a provider stipulated/learner directed phase (that may include reflection, discussion, or debate about the material contained in the article(s), and a requirement for the completion by the learner of a pre-determined set of questions or tasks relating to the content of the material as part of the learning process.

About SMJ CME

• The overall goal of the Southern Medical Journal CME Program is to provide physicians with convenient, quality continuing medical education published in peer-reviewed Journal articles. By providing this format, it is expected that participants will increase their knowledge about current advances in all fields of medicine and immediately apply this knowledge into practice.
• The Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
• The Southern Medical Association designates each journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit.™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

How to Obtain SMJ CME Credit

Southern Medical Association’s journal-based CME activities  are open to all readers. Members of the Southern Medical Association   receive complimentary access and credit; however, you need not be an SMA member or an SMJ subscriber to take part in this CME activity, and fees may apply. Each CME activity should take approximately 1 hour to complete and includes:

• Full Text Article
• CME Test
• Evaluation
• Learner Directed Phase
• Affidavit

SMJ CME activities may be accessed in the following ways:

• CME articles are designated by a CME link adjacent to each article's title.  After clicking on the title, select the CME tab in the navigation menu above the article.
• Clicking the link will re-direct you to the online library to complete the requirements for claiming CME credit.
• Visit SMA's On-line CME Website:   http://sma.org/courses.  Select Journal CME Courses from the Quick Menu, and select the Journal CME article to complete the requirements to claim CME credit.

Instructions

• Select the CME activity through one of the interfaces described above.
• Log-in to the website, using your SMA username and password.  If you are not an SMA member or have not previously registered with our website, you will be prompted to create a “free” account.  Or, you may join SMA to receive member benefits, including reduced fees and/or free access for SMJ CME.
• Browse and select the CME Journal Article.  You will be prompted to pay an appropriate fee.
• Review the documentation information provided.
• Read the corresponding full-text article(s) associated with the selected CME activity in its entirety.
• After reading the article(s) in the activity, access the CME test.
• Upon scoring 80% on the test, select the "Evaluate and Claim Credit" link to evaluate the associated CME activity, complete the learner directed phase, and the affidavit. Filling out the evaluation form and completing the learner directed phase is required.
• Upon completion of these steps, a CME certificate will be emailed to you within one hour.

Should you have any questions regarding SMJ CME, please contact us via email at smj@sma.org or by calling (800) 423-4992, ext. 620.