The Value of Health Care Symposiums
Sharing knowledge to improve patient care.
Dating back to ancient Greece, the word “symposium” literally refers to “drinking together” or a nod to an activity shared by many participants. In modern times its meaning has evolved to refer to a meeting for the discussion of a particular topic or social problem.
As Torrance Memorial Medical Center has grown from a community hospital to a regional medical center, so too has our commitment to provide professional development and opportunities to expand career growth. The symposiums hosted on our campus bring together experts, researchers and practitioners to discuss and exchange knowledge, research and insights on a particular subject or theme defined by a statement of need, educational objectives and a target audience.
Most often the symposiums offer opportunities to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits for physicians and continuing education (CE) contact hours for nurses. The contact hours and credits are units of measurement used to quantify participating in approved educational activities for health care professionals. One credit typically represents one hour of instruction or learning.
Torrance Memorial is certified by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education/California Medical Association and the California Board of Registered Nursing to provide continuing medical education for physicians, nurses and health care professionals. The medical center also provides continuing education for nursing assistants and is approved by the California Department of Public Health.
In the health care industry, many licensing boards require professionals to earn CME/CE credits to renew their licenses. Some hospitals also require professionals to earn credits to remain licensed for patient care areas. And others earn credits to advance their careers, enhance job prospects and support career progression. Credits can be earned in various ways through conferences, workshops, online courses, medical journals, teaching physicians and clinical preceptorships.
Education and Experts
This year Torrance Memorial hosted two symposiums, drawing well-attended professionals in the community and from the broader Los Angeles areas in partnership with Cedars-Sinai Health System. Each event is designated to offer credit for those attending the event in person.
In early September the Lundquist Lurie Cardiovascular Institute hosted the third annual half-day Women’s Heart Symposium. The conference promoted a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular disease in women, which remains the leading cause of death in women in the United States. Topics included risk factors, prevention, clinical presentations, treatment and outcomes.
On November 8, for the first time Torrance Memorial hosted a half-day Medication-Assisted Treatment Symposium to promote the understanding of substance use disorder and the opioid crisis, as well as evidence-based treatment options, prevention strategies and harm reduction techniques. The symposium addressed this pressing public health challenge and demystified the treatment options available but often underutilized.
Implementing these symposiums takes months and even a full year of planning. They involve collaboration with not only the keynote speakers and presenters but also the dedicated support staff in food services, media services, marketing, administration and medical staff. Just like in ancient Greece, the symposiums offer a shared activity we are proud to host for the betterment and advancement of our community of health care professionals.
To learn more, visit TorranceMemorial.org/for-providers/physician-education. For Cedars-Sinai education opportunities visit cedars-sinai.edu/education/continuing-medical.html.
