Annals of Internal Medicine today launched a new interactive medical education tool designed to test physicians' decision-making skills. Annals Virtual Patients uses a unique "if this, then that" format, so each learner goes down his or her own path through a complex clinical simulation. Each simulation covers the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of a virtual patient. Upon completion of each case, physicians may earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credits.

Annals Virtual Patients is uniquely formatted to allow physicians to learn from mistakes as they proceed through the simulations. Selecting a response prompts a detailed explanation of the medical consequences based on the answer chosen. At the end of each case, the physician is presented with a complete summary of the clinical problem and solution.

The cases will be available to ACP members, Annals subscribers, as well as internists, who are not members of ACP or subscribers to Annals.

The cases were developed by Annals of Internal Medicine editors in collaboration with faculty of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

"Annals Virtual Patient Cases are an exceptionally engaging way to earn CME and MOC credits," said Christine Laine, MD, MPH, FACP, editor-in-chief of Annals of Internal Medicine and senior vice president of the American College of Physicians. "We encourage physicians to immerse themselves in each unique, new case that is sure to enrich their clinical knowledge."