CME events for physicians remain a cornerstone of professional development across North America. These events provide opportunities for pharma companies to engage with their target physicians, promote their brands, and educate on advancements in their therapeutic areas. Organizers of these medical education events want to better understand how to maximize attendance, identify key drivers of satisfaction, and ultimately quantify the events that are providing the most value.
We surveyed 139 Canadian and 150 US physicians to better understand attitudes and behaviors as they relate to CHE/CME events.
Survey data shows that over 90% of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (SPs) in both countries attended at least one medical education event in the past year, underscoring the near-universal adoption of these learning opportunities.
The volume of participation is equally notable. Canadian physicians reported attending an average of 21–24 events annually, while US specialists in particular showed even higher engagement, averaging 42 events per year. This suggests not only strong interest but also sustained demand for ongoing education throughout clinical careers.
When it comes to perceived value, in-person events continue to outperform online formats. Canadian physicians rated the value of in-person CHE significantly higher, with 77% top-two-box ratings for both GPs and SPs, compared to online options, which saw a drop—especially among specialists. A similar pattern appears in the US, where in-person experiences also lead in perceived value, though online formats maintain moderate relevance.
Across both geographies and delivery modes, one trend is clear: physicians consistently favor interactive and expert-led formats. Thought leader presentations with Q&A, conference sessions, and case-based workshops rank among the most valued educational experiences. These findings highlight the importance of engagement, interactivity, and real-world applicability in designing impactful medical education programs.
Infographics may contain select findings from our Independent Studies. Contact us to find out if your organization qualifies for a complimentary presentation with access to the full report.
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