Stanford Offers Conference on Transforming the Future of CME Through Technology
By Kurt Snyder, JD
In an effort to share best practices among professionals in CE/CPD, online learning, and instructional design, longtime SACME member – the Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education–hosted its inaugural online CME InnovateED Conference in August 2024. The conference featured 47 educational sessions, two plenary discussions, and five social events, CME InnovateED offered participants a robust platform to reimagine the future and to share best practices. With over 67 speakers and attendees from 163 institutions, the conference embodied a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to education. From technology-enhanced learning to AI-driven accessibility, the event aimed to drive meaningful change in the CE/CPD communities and foster professional connections that advance learning outcomes.
Kurt Snyder, Executive Director of the Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education, explained that “The goal was to reimagine Standford’s highly successful CME Live conference offered each spring and which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to continue fostering knowledge-sharing within the community.” With technology and AI advancing rapidly, virtual conferences like InnovateED provide a unique opportunity for professionals to come together, learn from each other, and stay at the forefront of these developments.
One major difference between InnovateED and CME Live is the intentional effort to broaden the scope to include professionals beyond CE/CPD, recognizing that tools, pedagogy, and best practices often overlap across educational fields. Kurt noted that “It is not uncommon for CE/CPD providers to focus inward rather than look outward to sectors like K-12 education, undergraduate programs, and business schools.” These fields are often more innovative or quick to try new things in delivering education compared to the CE/CPD community.
Charting the Future of CME: Conference Themes and Goals
The CME InnovateED conference was organized around three central themes: advancing the future of CME, enhancing collaboration, and integrating AI and innovative technologies into medical education. In Kurt’s keynote, he stressed the need for CME to adapt to the evolving digital landscape and leverage advancements in technology to enhance learning experiences, expand reach, and make CME more inclusive. The plenary sessions and targeted workshops offered professionals the chance to explore these themes through hands-on demonstrations and collaborative discussions, making it an enriching experience for all attendees.
Theme 1: Advancing CME for the Future
One of the conference’s primary goals was to equip educators and healthcare professionals with practical strategies to prepare CME for future challenges. Key sessions in this area explored the shift toward self-directed, digital, and hybrid learning models that align with the changing needs of healthcare professionals. Presentations also examined how AI-driven learning tools could streamline education and offer personalized pathways that enhance learner engagement.
For instance, a session on “AI in CME Content Creation” demonstrated the impact of generative AI on producing accessible, interactive content. Through case studies using tools like Vyond and Claude AI, speakers illustrated how to create interactive videos and presentations that cater to diverse learning needs and preferences. The discussion underscored the importance of user-centered design in producing CME content that is both engaging and relevant.
Theme 2: Collaboration and Networking
Building on the tradition of previous Stanford CME events, InnovateED featured a series of engaging “Socials” designed to inspire cross-institutional networking. These vibrant gatherings offered professionals from diverse specialties and institutions the chance to share experiences, exchange innovative ideas, and forge meaningful connections. This year’s unique activities included a wellness journey, flower crafting, game sessions, a museum tour, and even a heartwarming pet-sharing experience!
Theme 3: Integrating AI and Technology into CME
A central feature of CME InnovateED 2024 was its focus on the integration of AI and technology. Attendees were introduced to advanced tools that enhance content delivery, streamline workflows, and make CME more inclusive. One of the standout presentations explored the use of AI-powered transcription and dubbing tools to increase accessibility. The session illustrated how these tools facilitate the translation of CME videos into multiple languages, thus broadening access to non-English-speaking healthcare professionals. Speakers discussed various transcription methods, including manual, automated, and AI-driven approaches, noting the accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness of AI solutions in comparison to traditional methods.
Other sessions demonstrated the capabilities of NotebookLM and ChatGPT in program analysis and evaluation. For example, presenters from Mayo Clinic showcased their use of NotebookLM for needs assessments in CME, applying advanced data visualization techniques and AI to create intuitive dashboards. This session underscored the importance of using AI for data analysis and visualization in creating data-driven insights that inform decision-making and resource allocation in CME programs.
Detailed Session Highlights and Key Takeaways
Beyond these overarching themes, CME InnovateED 2024 featured several high-impact presentations and workshops. Each speaker offered unique insights into the future of CME, with topics ranging from instructional design to enhancing inclusivity. (Note: Most sessions from InnovateED will be posted on YouTube and available in early 2025.)
- Enhancing Learning with Generative AI and Content Creation Tools
In one popular session, industry experts demonstrated how generative AI, such as Anthropic’s Claude, could streamline content creation for CME. The session showcased how AI could be harnessed for high-quality instructional videos, interactive simulations, and more. Attendees learned practical strategies for incorporating generative AI into content creation, which could save time and resources while allowing educators to focus on higher-level content planning and delivery. However, the speakers also emphasized that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise in educational content.
- Game-Based Learning and Interactive Education Models
Game-based learning was another prominent topic at the conference, with presentations highlighting its benefits for CME. A case study on narrative games for medical education explained how interactive games like “Leojina: The Ecto’s Oscars” for jaundice and “Pancreata: The Keto Struggle” for diabetic ketoacidosis foster a hands-on learning environment. The interactive gameplay, rich narratives, and real-world case scenarios in these games demonstrated the potential of game-based learning to enhance knowledge retention and application in medical settings.
- Inclusivity in CME through AI-Driven Transcription and Dubbing Tools
A critical discussion on inclusivity addressed the growing role of AI in breaking down language and accessibility barriers in CME. A second-year medical student at Washington State University demonstrated how AI transcription tools, such as Rev and Speech Lab, allow for faster, more accurate translations and dubs of educational content. By making CME content accessible to a broader audience, these AI tools align with the conference’s vision of inclusive, equitable education that supports learners from diverse backgrounds.
For a more in-depth summary of each session, you may visit this page: CME InnovateED Presentation Summaries
Impact of CME InnovateED 2024
The 2024 CME InnovateED Conference showcased the potential of innovative tools and collaborative approaches to redefine continuing education, online learning, and instructional design. As participants returned to their institutions, they left with a wealth of practical knowledge and insights to implement cutting-edge solutions in such disciplines. From AI-driven tools that enhance inclusivity to interactive games that foster engagement, the sessions highlighted how technological advancements and collaborative networks are reshaping CE to meet the needs of a global audience. This year’s conference not only provided a comprehensive look at the current trends but also inspired attendees to envision a future where CME can be accessible, engaging, and relevant in a rapidly changing world.
What does the future hold for InnovateED? Stanford CME is still considering the direction for the second event on October 23rd, 2025. With technology and AI evolving so rapidly, we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the future.
Kurt Snyder is the Executive Director of the Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education, leading initiatives that advance medical education through innovative practices. Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtsnyder/ or via email at kurt.snyder@stanford.edu.
Disclaimer: This article and its underlying summaries were produced with the assistance of AI.
