Michigan State Medical Society (07/07/26)

Continuing medical education (CME) has evolved from a voluntary and fragmented form of postgraduate learning in the early 20th century into a widely mandated component of physician licensure, driven by efforts to ensure ongoing professional skill. Although CME requirements now exist in most states, the amount required varies significantly, with many states mandating 20–30 hours annually and some imposing no general hourly requirement. Michigan is a notable outlier, requiring physicians to complete 150 hours every 3 years—far more than neighboring states such as Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Advocates for reform argue that reducing Michigan’s requirement to 75–100 hours every 3 years would align the state with national norms while preserving physicians’ commitment to lifelong learning, reducing administrative burdens, and allowing greater flexibility to pursue educational activities that directly benefit patient care.

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