The Florida AHEC Network offers tobacco continuing education programs to Florida's practicing health professionals through a variety of techniques and formats.

In keeping with the Public Health Service Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Clinical Practice Guideline – 2008 Update, the Network is effecting systems change by imparting to healthcare providers the skills necessary to treat tobacco dependence and ensure it is a top priority during patient consultations.

Continuing education topics include brief intervention training, motivational interviewing, new tobacco products, cessation techniques, pharmacotherapy, pediatric pulmonary issues related to secondhand smoke, and best practices for working with special populations, such as pregnant women and adolescents. The trainings are available to health professionals at low or no cost, and they are provided through in-person workshops, seminars, conferences, symposia, and summits, as well as through DVD, CD-ROM, and Internet.

To schedule a training session, please contact Maureen Guthke at (813) 974-5013 or mweir@usf.edu.

Tobacco CME

Tobacco CME is an online continuing education program used for both health professions students and health care professionals. Completion of the modules will broaden a health care professional's understanding of tobacco-related issues and treatment modalities. These modules are provided free to health care providers. Registration is required in order to receive credit.

Download printable directions for providers and a description of the modules offered.

Additional Resources and Information

• Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Clinical Practice Guideline
• Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs
• Directions for accessing Tobacco On-line Modules
• EPIC Tips Sheet for Tobacco Screening and Cessation Counseling at USF Health

Sponsored by the University of South Florida AHEC and the State of Florida, Department of Health.