This may be old news but I found out about it today, in an email from AAEM:
ABEM 2011 LLSA CME ACTIVITY APPROVED FOR “AMA PRA CATEGORY 1 CREDIT™”
The “new” ABEM 2011 LLSA CME Activity is now available to Diplomates preparing to take the 2011 Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (LLSA) test. LLSA tests are one component necessary for maintaining certification with the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). Upon completion of the CME Activity and a passing score of 85, Diplomates will be able to earn “AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.”
Here’s the complete ABEM press release as a .pdf file.
How much CME? 15 hours (.pdf file). It’s way better than nothing, which was what we got before, and the cost of this CME is an additional $30, so it’s very reasonably assessed.
The ABEM site is full of warnings that you MUST register for the CME FIRST in order to get it; start the LLSA, then remember you wanted the CME? Too bad.
Here’s a screenshot of my ABEM page, and I’ve highlighted the new CME box:
Two more things: First, I’ve been pretty hard on ABEM for requiring these yearly tests with nothing but a self-printable certificate and the opportunity to take more tests, so this is a welcome change. It’s several years too late, but at least it’s here now, so a half-a-kudo to ABEM for getting this belatedly right.
Second, I haven’t said anything (I don’t think) but my favorite LLSA study course is the one given by Drs. Abrahamian and Lovato from UCLA-Olive view, called MEGA-LLSA. It’s well organized, entertaining, and they have it all figured out. I have done my last 4 or 5 years’ tests with them, and provided they have their March course in Disneyland again in 2012 I’ll be there for that one. I recommend it. (A caveat: their communication between paying for the course and the starting place/date/time is poor to non-existent; plan on having to scout out here in the hotel the course is yourself, and showing up early to ask when your class starts…).
I agree; it’s nice to see this positive development. I’ve been annoyed by the LLSA from the get-go. But this shows at least some response to the general state of dissatisfaction (at least among those older curmudgeons like myself who, being naturally born Confederates, dislike and resent any and all requirements).
By the way, especially in that last-minute pinch, I like http://www.LLSAprep.com. Quick and to the point.