Education Center

ASD Annual Education Fund

A new $400 education fund is now accessible for ASD members interested in attending the 2024 Annual Meeting on October 5 2024, at The Westin, Calgary.

Objective:

The ASD is pleased to establish an Annual Educational Fund to support the professional development of ASD member dermatologists and eligible trainees by reimbursing costs associated with approved Continuous Professional Development (CPD) activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be an RCPSC-certified dermatologist
• Applicants must be a current member of the ASD
• Applicants must attend the ASD annual meeting in full to receive reimbursement as part of that year’s Education Fund

Reimbursement Details:

1. Maximum Amount: Each eligible applicant will be reimbursed a maximum of $400 per calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
2. Reimbursement Value: The amount reimbursed will be dependent on the number of eligible CPD credits submitted with the application, with each MOC credit being reimbursed at a rate of $50 / CPD unit to a maximum of 8 credits ($400). 
3. Eligible Expenses: Credits earned for participation in an MOC-eligible CPD activity are accepted for reimbursement, as are CPD/CME activities accredited by an equivalent body (such as AMA PRA Category 1 Credits). Unaccredited learning activities such as ad boards, industry-hosted meetings, or similar events are not eligible.
4. Eligibility Period: CPD-related expenses incurred in the preceding calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) are eligible for reimbursement.
5. Proof of Participation: Recipients must submit evidence of the MOC credits claimed in MAINPORT, or a Certificate of Attendance or equivalent proof of participation, to verify their participation in all activities claimed as part of the application.

Application Process:

1. Ensure you are a current ASD member in good standing at the time of your application – contact the ASD office at ASD@buksa.com if you are not sure of your member status.
2. Email proof of participation (MAINPORT report, Certificate of Attendance, receipts, or equivalent) for the CPD credits you wish to claim to ASD@buksa.com or upload your receipts using this link. Please note, log in credentials will be required. If you are emailing please include the name of who the cheque should be made payable and an address of where to mail.
3. Applications and complete documentation must be received before February 28^th.
4. Applications will be reviewed and reimbursements issued no later than March 31^st.

Selection Process:

All applicants meeting the criteria will receive approval.

What expenses are eligible?

Registration fees

• Accredited conventions or meetings, including conferences outside Canada, provided there is a recognizable medical education component.

Preparation material

• Material associated with a physician’s presentation of a scientific paper.
• Materials to prepare for a physician teaching or otherwise providing CME.
• Self-assessment programs, literature searches and registration fees for the University of Alberta/University of Calgary Medical Information Service.

Reference materials 

• Literature, books, subscriptions (e.g., Up to Date), CDs, podcasts, monographs, videos, e-learning modules, or other materials to support PLP credits.

Quality improvement costs 

Direct expenses incurred to complete a CPSA-approved PPIP activity, including:

• Practice-driven quality improvement activity using objective data (e.g., fees paid to gain access to data required for PPIP activities, fees paid for data-mining and evaluation services using physician practice data).
• Personal development activity

Non-reimbursable expenses

Items not listed are ineligible for reimbursement. Examples of ineligible items include:

• Computer hardware, electronic devices, including digital cameras, handheld computers (e.g., iPad and iPhone), scanners, printers, laptops and other hardware.
• Software fees or subscription costs.
• Labour/maintenance charges and accessories such as cases.
• RCPSC membership dues
• ASD membership dues

Fund Disbursement:

Reimbursements will be made directly to recipients upon successful verification of attendance at the ASD annual meeting and submission of receipts or other proof of credits claimed.

Deadline:

All applications and supporting documentation must be received by February 28^th.

Contact Information:

For inquiries regarding the Fund, please contact asd@buksa.com.

These Terms of Reference outline the conditions and requirements for the ASD Annual Educational Fund. Recipients are encouraged to carefully review the terms and conditions before applying.