Scope: CMEs of ACM should aim at

1. Dissemination of knowledge in the field of Clinical Microbiology with emphasise given to the newer trends or developments in this field
2. Influence and bring about change in the practice of clinical microbiology to improve patient care.
3. Introduce newer trends in Infectious disease diagnosis and management
4. Interact with clinicians and encourage them to attend with a view to improving their practice
5. Provide a venue for the 6monthly meeting of the Academic Council

Scope: CMEs of ACM should aim at

Host Institution: For hosting the CMEs for the next three years (two slots every year) can be requested at the GBM of the Triennial conference. It is the duty of the secretary to record the slots allotted and remind the concerned institution as soon as one CME is over.

The programme: CME can be for one or more days. The theme of the CME can be decided by the host. There can be invited lectures from eminent speakers, presentation of data and discussion or panel discussion on a related topic. If there is sufficient time, free paper and poster session or Quiz may also be included.

Finances: For the initial expenses of the CME an amount of Rs 20,000/- is available as loan from the ACM CME account, to the host institution. However the host institution has to return the amount and contribute an amount from the profits received from the conduct of the CME, so that the account is replenished and a better amount may be available as the years go by for future hosts. Financial support from other funding agencies may be availed Stalls for companies to display their products may be allowed on a rental basis. Audited accounts of the CME should be presented at the next Academic council meeting with details of the sum returned/transferred to the ACM account

Announcements:

1st announcement has to be sent in advance (at least 5 months before the due date) to all ACM members by e-mail and to major institutions as hard copy , both within and outside Kerala. The announcement should include –

1. The theme of the CME and expected topics for lectures
2. Registration details – fees, dates for early bird , bank details for transfer
3. Invitation for paper and poster presentation, categories, format for abstract and last date for abstract submission

Final announcement should be sent 2 months before the due dates and should include

1. Confirmed topics and faculty for each lecture
2. Registration details – fees, last dates for registration and abstract submission , bank details for transfer
3. Invitation for paper and poster presentation, categories and format for abstract
4. Accommodation details –convenient hotels near the venue with contact details.
5. Organising committee and their contact numbers /e-mail addresses
6. Time (1 hr) should be allotted for ACM council meeting which has to be clearly mentioned in the brochure.

Requirements for poster and oral presentation:

1. Both Free papers and posters can be submitted only by members of ACM and presentation can be done by one of the authors, who is a medical doctor (MBBS).
2. The decision whether the study will be presented as poster or oral presentation will be made by the scientific committee
3. Poster session will be conducted during lunch break.
4. Poster can be prepared and submitted as Poster itself or a paper can be delegated to poster presentation by the scientific committee.
5. Clinically oriented papers will be given preference.
6. The host institution can decide whether to give prizes for best poster and paper presentations, and appoint a judging panel from among the registered delegates or faculty.

Venue: It is desirable that the venue is a teaching institution. However, conveniently located private venues may be used, provided appropriate banners and posters are put up.
Banners and posters: All banners advertising the programme should have “under the aegis of Academy of Clinical Microbiologists” with the symbol of the Academy prominently displayed. If there are any confirmed funding agencies, the name should be displayed either on the banner or over the stage where the programme is taking place.

Proceedings: Since the academic content is very important , the invited talks have to be given to the delegates either as a CD or in the form of a booklet for future reference.

Evaluation: A feed back questionnaire should be given to all delegates and their opinion kept for future reference while planning a CME. Some funding agencies also need this to release funds.