Though previously offered at JPS Health Network’s own continuing office, since June 1 JPS physicians’ continuing education programs and activities have been managed through the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s PACE (Professional and Continuing Education) Program.
“This collaboration is exciting because it combines the Health Science Center’s expertise in medical education with JPS’s expertise in clinical care,” said Frank Rosinia, MD, JPS Executive Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, in a news release.
“There is strength in numbers,” Dr. Rosinia said. “By working together as one community, we can make a much greater and more lasting impact on the quality of health care.”
Practicing physicians are required to complete a certain number of CME, continuing medical education, credits annually. CME credits are activities that focus on the development of increased knowledge and skills needed to care for and build relationships with patients.
According to the release, UNTHSC’s PACE office is one of few health providers in the nation that holds dual accreditation by the Accreditation Council on CME and the American Osteopathic Association.
PACE has already been working jointly with other, smaller hospitals on CME activity and credit opportunities, but their new JPS partnership is different because it will specifically align the activities and credits offered to JPS’ patient care goals.
The partnership will also help further CME education initiatives, said Pam McFadden, associate vice president of UNTHSC’s PACE. The about 300 JPS physicians, their practices and their patient outcomes data will “create tremendous potential for innovative education initiatives.”
Additionally, UNTHSC PACE Executive Director Andrew Crim believes the partnership has the potential to be replicated with other hospitals both in the North Texas Region and beyond.