Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Expand all Collapse all

• Why must I enroll in a CPD program?

  The requirement for CPD is a Standard of Practice, to ensure physicians maintain their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. To maintain your Alberta medical practice permit, you must satisfactorily particiate in a program approved by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

• What must I do to demonstrate satisfactory participation?

  The two approved programs are MAINPRO (College of Family Physicians) and MOC/CPD (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons). You must be in good standing in either of these programs, which includes submission of minimum numbers of eligible credits in accordance with the timelines required by the program. Note: Credits earned must be reported directly to the program. Please DO NOT submit this information to the CPSA.

• Do I need to be a member of the College of Family Physicians or Royal College to enroll in their CPD?

  Membership and/or certification in the College of Family Physicians is not required for participation in CPD. If you have never been a member of the Royal College, you can enroll in their CPD program without full membership. However, if you are a past Fellow of the Royal College, we understand you must rejoin the Royal College in order to participate in the CPD program. 

• Where can I get more details about MAINPRO?

  Contect the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Call toll-free 1-800-387-6197 ext. 204.

• Where can I get more details about MOC/CPD?

  Contact the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada . Call toll-free 1-800-668-3740.

• Do I have to report CPD credits to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)?

  No. Credits earned for CPD activities must be reported directly to whichever program you are enrolled in.

• When my CPD cycle is completed, do I need to submit proof of completion to the CPSA?

  Yes. Please send us your Certificate of Completion from the program. DO NOT send transcripts of your credits.

• Do I still have to participate in CPD, even if I'm semi-retired, only do house calls or only have administrative responsibilities?

  All physicians are expected to participate. Where there are extenuating circumstances, exemptions or deferrals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please direct this type of request to the Registrar, and include details about your current practice activities.

• I have already participated in PAR twice. Do I still have to participate in CPD?

  Yes. Participation in both the PAR Program and the MAINPRO or MOC/CPD program is required as they have different goals. Please refer to our CPD Standard of Practice.

• Is there any evidence that participation in programs such as MAINPRO or MOC/CPD improves the quality of care provided?

  Scientific evidence about the many factors influencing practice excellence is insufficient. However, the medical profession and our patients all expect that physicians are engaged in lifelong learning. Evidence of that participation is increasingly a requirement of health care professions, in Canada and elsewhere.

• What is being done to improve the value of the CPD tracking programs?

  This College, through the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC), is working with both national Colleges to increase the use of practice measurement and improvement in their CPD tracking programs.