The State of West Virginia requires physicians to acquire 50 CME credits every two years in order to have their license renewed.

As a service to its physicians, Bluefield Regional Medical Center established the CME program and gained accreditation by the West Virginia State Medical Association in 1994. The first such program in the region, the CME program offers area physicians an average of between 40 and 50 educational sessions each year on a wide variety of topics to assist in their professional development. The sessions are funded by educational grants, and are free to physicians.

One of the goals of the program is to provide high quality programs presented by outstanding lecturers. BRMC's CME speakers come from the most highly respected medical institutions in the country, like Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Virginia. The sessions are aimed at physicians within one hour's drive of Bluefield, but frequently attract doctors from Charleston, Beckley, Roanoke and the Bristol area.

Some of the CME programs, such as the Ned Shott Cancer Conference, are annual events. The Ned Shott Conference is designed to provide a better understanding of new cancer therapies, pain management, diagnostic procedures and patient communications.

A committee consisting of six physicians and two administrative representatives select the program topics and speakers. The committee's goal is to stress professional development as a means to provide high quality health services consistent with the needs of the community.