[Continuing medical education--a necessity, with or without proof?].

The proof of continuing medical education (CME) ist necessary. Until now, physicians have the chance to solve this problem by themselves and to participate voluntarily at certification and evaluation of CME and to document their efforts to the benefit of the patients. The experiences, which medical societies will gain by undertaking projects to proof CME, will show ways for a common system of certification in Germany being compatible in whole Europe.