At the Annual Convention in 1968, the AMA House of Delegates passed a resolution providing for the establishment of an award for recognition of physicians for their participation in continuing medical education. Some of the purposes of the award were: to provide a means of recognition for the many thousands of physicians who regularly participate in continuing medical education, to encourage each physician to keep up to date, and to provide reassurance to the public that American physicians are maintaining their competence by regular participation in continuing medical education.
Since passage of the resolution, much staff time has been required to develop the operational policies, procedures, and materials necessary to launch the program. Because many physicians in residency training would likely qualify for the award, a simplified application form was sent to all physicians in accredited residencies in the United States during May 1969. Among those applying, about 6,000 qualified