International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease

The ISSVD Continuing Medical Education program supports the mission of the ISSVD to advance womens health through life-long education of its members.Goals1.To promote clinical investigation, basic research, and dissemination of knowledge in this field.2.To promote international communication among gynecologists, pathologists, dermatologists, and related disciplines, and to establish international agreement on terminology and definitions of vulvovaginal diseases.3.To facilitate improvement in womens health care outcomes with a diverse, evidence-based and comprehensive selection of educational opportunities.4.To support life-long learning through a continuing medical education program developed and directed to address clinical practice gaps and other learning needs identified nationally, locally, or individually.5.The expected results of the CME program is that learners will be able to: -gain and apply knowledge about important womens health issues -use the tools and skills provided during the CME activity to make a meaningful, positive impact in the health of women and -make a commitment to change behavior or practice as a result of participating in the CME activityVulvovaginal disease is not taught formally in medical schools or any other educational program. Therefore there are many practice gaps in the diagnosis and management of women suffering from the various vulvovaginal diseases that affect 8-15% of women at some point in their life. Research supports that 8-15% of women will suffer from vulvar pain lasting at least 6 months sometime in their lifetime. Many primary care providers and womens health practitioners incorrectly diagnose vulvar pain disorders.Many healthcare professionals demonstrate a lack of awareness about the various options for diagnosing and treating the varied symptoms that affect their female patients. Differences among terminology between countries increases the likelihood of misdiagnosis and treatment. Through the educational programs offered by ISSVD, we aim to increase the following: Knowledge: being aware of what to doCompetence: being able to apply knowledge, skills, and judgment in practice (knowing how to do something)Performance: having the ability to implement the strategy or skill (what one actually does)And to: -Give participants new abilities/strategies (change competence).-Help participants modify their practice (change performance).-Help improve patient outcomes.After identifying the practice gaps and educational needs, we will identify what we want the learner to be able to accomplish after the activity and produce learning objectives.