CPE opens doors to leadership posts.

The challenges of today's health care system require leaders to demonstrate management expertise, excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic.

Certified Physician Executive (CPE) board certification attests that a physician executive has these qualities. Top physician leaders are finding this credential to be a distinctive key that opens new doors in today's competitive health care leadership field.

Recruiters and hiring organizations say they want to know not only that job candidates have management knowledge and experience, but that they can communicate it to others.

Participants in the CPE Tutorial demonstrate their knowledge and skills through videotaped presentations, group exercises and a written evaluation.

Eligibility for the CPE is limited to physician executives of the highest caliber. The credential is awarded by the Certifying Commission in Medical Management on the basis of:

* Stature as a physician

Candidates must be board certified, licensed physicians who have practiced three years beyond residency.

* Level of educational achievement

Candidates must have 150 hours of tested management education or a management degree.

* Medical management experience

Candidates must have a year of management experience and a letter from a supervisor attesting to the management experience.

* Successful completion of the CCMM four-day skill-building Tutorial.

Caught on video

Going beyond the written exams used by many certification programs, the Tutorial also includes video practice sessions that focus on management techniques.

Candidates are evaluated on their ability to:

* Make a convincing presentation describing their skills and accomplishments to a panel of health care leaders.

* Give feedback within their cohort groups.

* Complete a written evaluation consisting of cases developed around nine core health care management courses.

Teaching Fellows who are CPEs--and who are specially trained to facilitate the small group activities--give feedback to the CPE candidates and ensure that all participants practice giving feedback in their groups. Since feedback is an essential skill for physician executives, many find that these exercises improve their on-the-job performance.

A CPE who recently finished the Tutorial described it as unique in three ways.

1. There is more interaction and networking than at a typical meeting.

2. It includes the chance to learn from experienced people.

3. A bond forms out of adversity--being judged, graded and critiqued does draw the group together.

Staying connected

More than 750 CPEs across the country are currently planning ways to stay connected so they continue to benefit from each other's experience and feedback.

"CPE" after your name tells the world you are board certified in medical management. CPE on your resume indicates that you've reached a superior level of excellence in medical management, with the education, expertise and demonstrated skills to effectively lead health care organizations in today's challenging markets.

In addition, the CPE is one requirement towards Fellowship in the American College of Physician Executives.

For more information about earning your CPE, visit the CCMM Web site at www.ccmm.org or call Barbara Linney or Tina Ramsey at 800-562-8088. The next CPE Tutorial is scheduled for Feb. 29-March 4, 2004 in Tampa, Fla.