Funding for continuing medical education

On behalf of the entire Board of the Canadian Association of Continuing Health Education, we wish to respond to the recent CMAJ editorial on sponsorship of continuing medical education.1 Although there may be merit in exploring the need for and role of an Institute of Continuing Health Education, there is no published evidence to suggest that our current continuing professional development programs require a major overhaul. As well, we question the perception that sponsorship by the pharmaceutical industry influences the selection of topics for educational initiatives or results in sessions that embellish the positive elements of studies while downplaying the potential adverse effects of the sponsors' products.

In our extensive collective experience, we can cite numerous examples of educational programs as well as articles in peer-reviewed journals that demonstrate the value and contribution of collaborative educational and research initiatives sponsored by industry. More importantly, the Canadian landscape for health education is unique; many stakeholder groups are engaged in a collaborative model that supports improvements in our health care system and our patients' health and wellness.