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Hi Reader!

Access to trusted, evidence-based biomedical research is the foundation of effective continuing medical education (CME). But shifts in funding and government scrutiny are creating uncertainty about PubMed’s long-term stability.

In our latest Write Medicine podcast episode, I sat down with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward to discuss what’s happening behind the scenes with PubMed and, most importantly, how you can safeguard your research access.

Here are three actionable steps you can take today:

Download Key Data Now:​
If you’re concerned about long-term access, you can download portions of PubMed’s database. It’s a proactive step that gives you local control over essential research.

Bookmark Alternative Databases:​
You don’t need to rely solely on PubMed. Rachel recommends tools like Europe PubMed Central, the NIH NCBI Bookshelf, and clinicaltrials.gov. Start familiarizing yourself with these resources now, so you’re ready if disruptions occur.

Sharpen Your Evidence Evaluation Skills:​
When venturing beyond familiar databases, apply the CRAP model—check Credibility, Relevance, Authority, and Purpose—to assess any source you use. It’s essential for navigating gray literature and alternative research sources.

✨ Bonus Tip: For DEI-focused projects or underrepresented patient populations, explore gray literature and nonprofit research from sources like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kaiser Family Foundation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive action plan and additional resource links!
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Last week in WriteCME Pro, we hosted financial expert Frank Randall as part of our Expert Perspective series. As the Founder of MedPro Financials, Frank knows small business financials. I met him a few months ago when I presented on Beyond the Clinic, an all day conference for clinicians seeking non-clinical career options, presented by the Non-Clinical Collective.

Frank's group has a newsletter on financial planning that I highly recommend.

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Alexandra Howson PhD, CHCP, FACEhp is a writer, researcher, and podcaster who shares her deep expertise in health care and education with new-to-the-field or CME-curious professionals to help them create educational content with confidence. She hosts Write Medicine, the premier podcast for CME/CPD professionals like you, wherever you are in the content creation process. Alex runs WriteCME Pro and teaches on the Professional Education Program in Medical Writing and Editing at the University of Chicago.

Connect with Alex | alex@alexhowson.com | 415.374.9757

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