Not a tough question, but I am biased. My prejudice not withstanding, I take greatest pride in the warm and appreciative comments I receive on the last day of the course. Past attendees consistently left rejuvenated.

My goal is to improve your life as a practitioner in as many ways as I can, through a better understanding of the work you do, through the introduction of new information, or through the creation of a space and time in your life where you can enjoy being a learner.

Will I be approached or confronted by the pharmaceutical industry?

Absolutely not! The industry is powerful and effective in their marketing. We take great care to build a solid wall around this course. There is no industry presence.

I am in Family Practice. Is this course for me?

As primary care internists, the associate course directors and I are deeply involved with the care of adult patients. This course is designed specifically for active clinicians.

I assure you that the material will be immensely valuable.

I am a Sub-specialist. Is this course for me?

Many sub-specialists are feeling out of date with clinical material outside their specialty. This course will bring you up to date.

I am a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. Will this course meet my needs?

Absolutely! We try to present our material in a way that is immediately useful. The syllabus is very complete; so much so that it becomes an up to date medical textbook for reference when you return to your practice.

How is this different from PriMed?

PCIM is a much smaller scale classroom style CME course with a large selection of workshop sessions. This is an intimate, calm learning environment.

Are the faculty going to be condescending?

No. We have been offering this course for over 30 years and the speakers are respectful of your work.

Why the crazy quilt of lectures and workshops?

Variety keeps our participants engaged. We understand that some like to have the high information volume and intense pace of lectures while others prefer the interactivity of workshops. We have the best of both worlds.

There are far more workshop choices than you can attend but many are repeated and we know you will be pleased.

Is Boston really that unique in the fall?

Unquestionably. Boston in the fall is "prime time," the weather is crisp, clear and dry. Stay the weekend before or after and drive into the country for the full New England experience.

Will I have time to get away and see Boston during the week?

Depends on your style. Some will take an afternoon off and go to a museum; some will arrange to go out to a different restaurant or engagement each night; some will study at night.

The concierge services of the Marriott are available to all course participants for advice or specific requests.

I have come before, why come back? The topics have not changed.

We review our course content in detail every year and there are many topics that have to be repeated because the knowledge base changes so much from year to year. We do add and subtract topics in order to vary the program. All speakers update their material each year.

We have many loyal repeat participants who see this course as a way to periodically upgrade their clinical skills. We are honored by their confidence in our course.

I am an international physician, should I make the journey to Boston?

Absolutely! This course is the best that Harvard has to offer for the active clinician.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this course worth the time and expense?