Physicians are responsible for upgrading their own knowledge and skills, and far planning their continuing education activities to maintain competence. To achieve this, they should participate in identifying their needs, selecting appropriate learning resources and evaluating the outcomes of their learning. Physicians
expect a quality teaching environment that meets their expectations and motivates them, and they are entitled to high quality learning activities that are based on the principles of adult education. In the 1970s, the Conseil de l'éducation médicale continue du Quebec (CEMCQ) decided to organize conferences about how to plan Continuing Medical Education (CME) for providers of these activities. The main purpose of the conferences was to improve the educational environment of CME events.

To sustain the interest raised by these conferences, the CEMCQ published its first Vade-mecum in 1983 as a concise and practical tool to assist CME providers. This publication was a tremendous success and it was reprinted several times to tracer the demand.

The knowledge and experience acquired by a growing number of physicians and educators have provided the impetus for the CEMCQ to issue a new version. The comprehensive content and large number of contributors are evidence of Québec physicians' interest and expertise in CME. As a result, CME program providers have a practical, easy-to-consult document including references and an up-to-date bibliography at their disposal.

As members of the first editorial team, the authors of this foreword are pleased to see the evolution of the work initiated by the Conseil de l'éducation médicale continue du Quebec. The CEMCQ is committed to monitoring the quality of educational programs and professional practice.

We hope that this new version will be as successful and long-lived as the first.