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Educator

Alexandra Howson PhD | CME Writer

Researcher

If TED Talks and a mastermind group had a podcast baby for CME professionals, it would be Write Medicine. 
Think of Write Medicine as the NPR of continuing medical education—smart, engaging, and always packed with insights you can use right away.
 Every week, your host, Alexandra Howson PhD, cracks open the secrets of powerful CME content, decoding adult learning, designing impactful outcomes, and navigating the fast-changing world of medical education. Sometimes, she goes solo. Other times, she invites industry pros to share their expertise. Either way, you’ll get practical strategies to elevate your CME writing game.
 Whether you’re just starting in CME or you're a seasoned pro looking for that extra edge, Write Medicine is your weekly power-up session for crafting education that truly makes a difference.
 Listen, learn, and level up your CME game—because better education means better patient care.

Write Medicine

Are you prepared for how AI and private equity will reshape continuing medical education (CME) in 2025? As CME professionals face rapid industry changes, staying ahead of emerging trends is crucial for creating impactful educational content. This episode unpacks the key developments that will affect how you develop and deliver CME programs in the coming year.
In this episode, you'll discover:

How to leverage emerging trends like AI and confidence frameworks to position yourself as an indispensable strategic partner to your clients

Practical strategies to integrate patient perspectives and real-world data into your content development process

Specific ways to evolve your service offerings and build flexible workflows that adapt to changing project dynamics

Press play to unlock your roadmap for thriving in the 2025 CME landscape and learn exactly how to future-proof your freelance business in an industry that's transforming at breakneck speed.Future Proof
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Evolving CME Landscape
00:49 Key Trends Shaping CME in 2025
03:23 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in CME
06:30 Confidence Frameworks and Outcomes Measurement
13:25 Patient-Focused Education
17:38 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE)
19:56 Impact of Private Equity on CME
21:41 Practical Strategies for Independent CME Professionals
24:44 Conclusion and Future Outlook
Resources
WriteCME Pro
Finding the Freelance Clients You Deserve
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence
AI in CME Cheat Sheet 
AMA’s Health Equity Resource Center
AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) toolkits on cultural competency and equity in medical education.
WHO’s Social Determinants of Health Framework.
CME/CE Market Trends

Future-Proofing Your CME Writing Biz: Preparing for 2025

In this episode of Write Medicine, I speak with Ginny Jacobs, Principal of Quality Catalyst Group, about the necessary disruption happening in continuing medical education (CME). Drawing from her recent co-authored Almanac article, Ginny discusses four major shifts in the field and what they mean for CME professionals.
Four Major Shifts in CME:

Increased use of technology, including artificial intelligence

Evolution in the science of learning and cognitive load

Technology utilization for clinical practice relevance

Development of adaptive and collaborative models across disciplines

Key Takeaways:

Data collection and analysis remain significant challenges for many CME organizations

The importance of "unlearning" outdated approaches while maintaining what works

Strategic alignment with organizational priorities is crucial for success

The field must evolve from episodic learning to sustainable, data-driven approaches

Looking Ahead:

Need for more systematic professional development in CME

Importance of collaboration to avoid common challenges

Focus on creating nimble educational systems with robust assessment

Emphasis on critical thinking and practical application

Resources
Jacobs G, McGowan B, Paynter N, et al. Necessary Disruption 2.0: A Continuing Education Call to Action. Alliance Almanac. Nov 18, 2024. 
Alliance Annual Conference, January 8-11, Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL.

Don't Be Kodak: Future-Proofing Your CME Strategy

What if everything we believe about driving change in healthcare education is fundamentally wrong - and AI might be making it worse? As healthcare education rapidly embraces AI and digital transformation, you're likely grappling with crucial decisions about how to integrate new technologies while ensuring your programs remain equitable and effective. The latest Alliance for Continuing Education in Health Professions conference keynotes reveal surprising insights about AI bias, observation skills, and behavior change that challenge conventional approaches to CME program design.
• Discover concrete strategies to identify and address AI bias in your educational programs, including a practical checklist for evaluating AI integration in healthcare education
• Learn how art history methods can dramatically improve clinical observation skills through specific techniques like "close looking" and formal analysis
• Master the science of "complex contagion" to design more effective peer learning networks, backed by new research showing networked physician groups make significantly fewer diagnostic errors
Listen now to transform your CME programs with evidence-based insights from Dr. Immani Shephard, Dr. Siobhan Conaty, and Dr. Damon Centola on AI ethics, clinical observation, and driving meaningful change in healthcare education.
Resources
Glickman, M., Sharot, T. How human–AI feedback loops alter human perceptual, emotional and social judgements. Nat Hum Behav (2024).

AI, Art & Social Networks in Continuing Education for Health Professionals

Is private equity's growing influence in continuing medical education changing the quality of learning in the health professions?
As a CME professional, you need to navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape where commercial support has dropped, and private equity firms are rapidly acquiring education providers. Understanding these shifts is crucial for developing sustainable, high-quality educational programs and navigating your way as a CME professional.
In this episode, we’ll explore:

How CME funding has evolved from primarily university-based to a complex mix of commercial support, registration fees, and private investment

Why private equity firms are acquiring CME providers and what this means for content development

Key strategies for maintaining educational quality and professional relationships in an environment of frequent mergers and acquisitions

Listen now to gain insights into the $4.23 billion CME industry's funding transformation and position yourself for success in this rapidly changing landscape.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Art of Hustling Pool and CME
00:54 AI Bootcamp for Medical Writers
01:32 The Complex Financial Side of CME
02:06 Evolution of CME Funding
02:42 Pharmaceutical Influence and Regulations
05:47 The Impact of Compliance and Regulatory Codes
07:06 Current CME Funding Landscape
08:21 Private Equity in CME
10:48 Challenges and Questions for CME Professionals
12:08 Conclusion: Ensuring Educational Quality
Resources

Ratnasekera A, Impact of private equity on graduate medical education: A slippery slope. Am J Surg. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.116160

ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education (2020)

ACCME Data Report. Thriving Through Growth and Innovation—2023.

ACCME. Toolkit for the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education

Follow the Money: The Unexpected Economics of CME

What happens when the data you rely on for CME content suddenly disappears? CME depends on credible, transparent data to inform healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes. But new policy shifts have restricted access to essential sources, leaving medical writers scrambling for alternatives. Without these data points, how can we continue producing accurate, impactful education? This episode explores how to navigate these challenges and source reliable evidence for CME content.
Tune in to learn where to find alternative, credible health data sources beyond federal agencies.
Don’t let disappearing data derail your CME planning. 
Resource
Grab your link to a living spreadsheet of alternative data and evidence sources. 

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Disappearing Public Health Data
01:20 Impact of Data Removal on Public Health
05:40 Alternative Data Sources for CME Professionals
09:33 Actionable Steps for CME Professionals
10:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

Missing Data? How to Keep Your CME Content Evidence-Based

How can continuing education transform nursing practice, reduce burnout, and empower nurses to advocate for themselves?
Nurses are essential to patient care, yet many struggle with limited access to high-quality education, workplace advocacy, and professional development. As CME professionals and medical writers, we have the power to create learning experiences that not only enhance clinical skills but also support nurse well-being and retention. In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of nursing education with Drs. Jennifer Shepard and Sean DeGarmo, two leaders from the American Nurses Association (ANA), who explore how we can design more impactful, outcomes-driven education for nurses.

Discover how the 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses is reshaping professional development and why it matters for your CME programs.

Learn how continuing education directly combats burnout and improves nurse retention—and what that means for healthcare organizations.

Gain insights into the challenges of funding and implementing nurse education, and strategies to advocate for protected education budgets.

Press play now to learn how you can contribute to the future of nursing education and design CE programs that truly make a difference!
Abbreviations
Here are the acronyms mentioned in the episode along with their full forms:

ANA – American Nurses Association

CNE – Continuing Nursing Education

CMS – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CE – Continuing Education

CME – Continuing Medical Education

APP – Advanced Practice Provider

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

PHI – Protected Health Information

PI – Personal Information

LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education

GME – Graduate Medical Education

OPP – Organizational Practice Policies

AAPA – American Academy of Physician Associates

LACE – Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Nursing Education Challenges
00:40 Meet the Experts: Dr. Jennifer Shepard and Dr. Sean de Garmo
01:54 The 2025 Code of Ethics for Nurses
08:02 Addressing Gaps in Nursing Education
10:41 The Importance of Continuing Education in Combating Burnout
16:40 Advocating for Nursing Education and Professional Development
24:04 Outcomes-Based Education and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
34:50 Conclusion: The Lifeline of Continuing Education

Empowering Nurses Through Education: Reducing Burnout, Building Leadership, and Elevating Care

What would happen if the go-to resource for your CME research—PubMed—became unreliable or inaccessible? Would your workflow survive the disruption?
As CME professionals, we depend on PubMed for high-quality, evidence-based research. But with looming funding changes it’s time to rethink how we source medical literature. This episode unpacks the latest developments and gives you a proactive plan to safeguard your research process.

Learn why PubMed's future is uncertain and what that means for CME professionals.

Discover alternative medical research tools that can fill the gaps if PubMed access is disrupted.

Get expert-backed strategies to diversify your literature search and stay ahead of potential research barriers.

Hit play now to future-proof your CME research strategy and ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality medical literature!
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of PubMed for CME Professionals
00:32 Potential Threats to PubMed
02:21 Speculative Changes and Their Implications
02:40 Preparing for Potential Disruptions
03:03 Alternative Research Tools and Strategies
04:06 Staying Informed and Connected
04:26 Conclusion and Call to Action
Resources

Europe PMC – A free resource for accessing biomedical literature, serving as an alternative to PubMed.

Wayback Machine – A digital archive that allows retrieval of past versions of web pages, including government health pages.

DeepDyve – A subscription-based service that archives PubMed files daily and provides access to research papers.

EU Clinical Trials Register – A database of clinical trials conducted in Europe, cross-referenced with ClinicalTrials.gov.

Leave a voice note for Alex

PubMed Uncertainty: Smart Alternatives for CME Professionals

Do you ever feel like you're navigating your career in CME alone, unsure of where you fit in or how to grow without burning out?
Many CME professionals work independently or remotely, which can be both rewarding and isolating. Beyond professional networks, building a true community can provide the support, engagement, and inspiration needed to thrive in this field. In this episode, we explore why community matters in CME, how it enhances career growth and well-being, and practical steps you can take to create meaningful connections.

Discover how a strong professional community can boost your career and well-being.

Understand the key elements that define a thriving professional community.

Learn practical ways to engage in and build a community that supports your growth in CME.

Listen now to uncover the power of community in CME and learn how to cultivate meaningful professional connections that will support your long-term success.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction: Navigating the CME Field Alone
00:48 The Importance of Community in CME
01:50 Defining Community and Its Elements
02:38 Personal Experiences of Belonging
03:50 Shared Values and Mutual Support in CME
05:08 Networks vs. Communities
06:29 Benefits of Community for CME Professionals
10:19 Practical Steps to Engage in Community
11:01 Conclusion and Next Steps

Next WriteCME Accelerator Cohort is May, 2025.
Join the Waitlist.

Building a Thriving CME Community: Why Networking Isn’t Enough for Career Growth

CME professionals, medical writers, educators, and researchers - what would you do if PubMed suddenly became less accessible? You depend on this critical resource daily to find evidence-based information that powers your work. But recent funding uncertainties at the NIH have raised questions about its future.

You need consistent, reliable access to quality biomedical research to meet deadlines and maintain credibility, but navigating alternatives can feel overwhelming. Where would you even begin if your go-to resource is compromised?

Today's episode is your insurance policy. My conversation with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward MLIS, AHIP reveals not only why PubMed matters, but also provides you with practical alternatives, including a downloadable resource sheet, and evaluation strategies to ensure you'll never be left without the research you need - no matter what happens.

In this episode, you'll discover:

 
The remarkable infrastructure behind PubMed's indexing system that makes it an indispensable tool for organizing and accessing biomedical research

 
A comprehensive overview of complementary resources, including European PubMed Central and specialized databases that can enhance your research approach

 
Practical wisdom for evaluating evidence quality 

Listen now to expand your research toolkit with expert knowledge that will help you confidently navigate the evolving landscape of medical information resources.

Connect with Rachel

Website

LinkedIn

📚 Resources 

PubMed
The essential biomedical database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A critical starting point for CME writers and medical educators to access peer-reviewed research.

European PubMed Central
A free database of biomedical and life sciences research literature from Europe. A strong alternative to PubMed.

Grey Literature Sources
Sometimes the best insights aren’t found in journals. Examples of trusted grey literature repositories include:

 
Kaiser Family Foundation 

 
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Find guides on Rachel's website

Alex's Sharable Evidence Bank (>70 sources)

Beyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure Map

How do we create continuing education that prepares clinicians to deliver life-changing diagnoses with both precision and compassion?In this episode, we explore what happens when the scientist’s role as a communicator intersects with the lived experience of parenting a child with a rare disease. I'm talking with Dr. Jennifer Brown, a geneticist who recently published a memoir, When the Baby is not OK: Hopes and Genes, based on her experience of parenting children diagnosed with PKU through newborn screening.

For CME professionals, this episode is a call to rethink how we center narrative, ethics, and emotional intelligence in our content, especially when evidence alone isn’t enough to support meaningful patient care.

 
Learn how outdated narratives and clinical language can alienate patients—and how reframing them can build trust and support retention in care.

 
Hear why integrating lived experience into CME is essential for designing education that resonates beyond the exam room.

 
Discover how personal storytelling, ethical reflection, and patient advocacy can enrich data-driven CME writing.

▶️ Press play to discover how Dr. Jennifer Brown’s dual lens—as a geneticist and parent—can sharpen your skills as a more empathetic, informed CME professional.

Connect with Jennifer

LinkedIn

Goodreads 

Author Site

Bluesky

YouTube

From Diagnosis to Advocacy: What Rare Disease Teaches Us About CME

Are you unsure which skills you need to thrive as a CME writer (or need for your writers)—or how to prove your value in an increasingly competitive field?

Many medical writers stumble into CME with strong writing chops but little clarity about what the role truly demands. At the same time, education providers struggle to find writers who are not just capable—but competent. This episode bridges that gap. Don Harting and Haifa Kassis join us to unpack the results of their groundbreaking Delphi study on CME writing competencies, revealing what hiring managers really want and how you can grow your career strategically.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

 The four core competencies every CME writer should master today

 Which deliverables are in high demand—and which are vanishing

 How this competency model can support onboarding, training, and upskilling.

Press play to learn how to align your writing skills with what the CME industry actually needs—so you can stand out, get hired, and grow with confidence.

Resources

Kassis, H., & Harting, D. (2024). Medical Writing for Continuing Education in the Health Professions: A Competency Model. Journal of CME, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/28338073.2024.2422709

CME Writers’ Toolbox

Delphi Panelists

WriteCME Pro: Accelerate your freelance CME writing business growth

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction to CME Writing Challenges
00:20 Meet the Researchers: Haifa Kassis and Don Harting
01:19 The Competency Model: Key Findings
02:40 Expert Consensus and Methodology
06:16 Surprising Insights and Real-World Challenges
11:15 Practical Applications and Future Directions
24:35 Emerging Competencies and Industry Trends
28:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Raising the Bar: Essential Competencies for CME Writers with Haifa Kassis and Don Harting

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