In very strong majorities, the recently polled IBMS community confirmed and elaborated its support for Continuing Medical Education (CME) as a crucial pillar of Medical Tourism. Highlights are as follows:

88% of respondents agree that CME status and accomplishments should be conferred by a University or formal accrediting body;

As part of a CME program, 52% of respondents support a Standardized Test of Core Information for Provider participants in Medical Tourism;

The greatest perceived need for CME Courses is as follows:

Emergency/Complications/Post Op Care (77%)
Potential Complications and Case Reports (73%)
Post Op/Pre Op Standards and Guidelines for International Providers (69%)
Standards for International Certification (69%)
Minimally Invasive Medical/Surgical Techniques (62%)
Infection Control Procedures (58%)

Support also extends to active participation:

77% would attend an IBMS International Meeting or Regional Event offering CME courses;

73% are willing to represent IBMS in their specialty;

62% would submit an article related to Medical Tourism;

50% are willing to teach a CME course.

On a related note, 62% confirm that registration of the IBMS Certification Mark with the United States Patent Office has significant, positive standing for professional health care providers in their respective countries.

86% of those surveyed are professional Health Care workers, of whom a majority are Physicians. Responses spanned 6 continents with many diverse countries, from Australia to Fiji, from India to Egypt, from Argentina to the USA with many in between.