Program Description & Educational Objectives
In this activity, experts in rheumatoid arthritis discuss the rationale and latest evidence for early, intensive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explain the rationale for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in RA
- Identify barriers to effective management of early RA and develop strategies to overcome them
- Define the role of newer biologic therapies in early RA and profile their long-term safety
Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of US rheumatologists and internal medicine physicians, as well as other clinicians involved in managing patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Requirements for Successful Completion
In order to receive credit, participants must view the activity and complete the post-test and evaluation form. There are no pre-requisites and there is no fee to participate in this activity or to receive CME/CNE/CPE credit. Statements of Credit are awarded upon successful completion of the post-test and evaluation form.
Media: Internet
Release and Expiration Dates: January 07, 2010 - January 06, 2011
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Faculty & Disclosure
Course Director and Interviewee
Rene Westhovens, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine
Catholic University of Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
Rene Westhovens, MD, PhD,
has a financial interest/relationship or affiliation in the form of:
Consultant for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.; and Schering-Plough Corporation.
Grant/Research Support from UCB S.A.
Speakers Bureau participant with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Advisory Board for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Galapagos NV; Neovacs; and Roche Laboratories Inc.
Interviewee
William J. Shergy, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine
University of Alabama School of Medicine
Birmingham, Alabama
William J. Shergy, MD,
currently has no financial interests/relationships or affiliations in relation to this activity.
CME Reviewer
Phillip L. Barkley, MD
Director and Clinical Associate Professor
Family Health and Student Health Care
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Phillip L. Barkley, MD,
has a financial interest/relationship or affiliation in the form of:
Speakers Bureau participant with Merck & Co., Inc. and Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
CNE Planner
Margaret Allee, RN, JD
Providence Health & Services
Portland, Oregon
Content Director
Annette Wiggins
PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, Inc.
Annette Wiggins
currently has no financial interests/relationships or affiliations in relation to this activity.
Sponsorship, Credit & Support
Physicians
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Florida College of Medicine and PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education. The University of Florida College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Florida College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses
Amedco is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Wisconsin Nurses Association Continuing Education Approval Program Committee, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
The course is co-provided by Amedco and PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education. 0.5 contact hour(s).
Note: Not all state nursing boards will accept programs less than 1.0 hour in length for credit. Please click here to find out the status of your state.
Pharmacists
Amedco is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
Participants will earn 0.5 contact hours or 0.05 CEUs for completing the program. Participants must attend the entire program and complete an evaluation form. Statements of Credit will be provided to participants within 4 weeks of the end of the program. UAN(s): 0453-9999-10-018-H01-P.
This activity is supported by an educational grant from 
