INTRODUCTION

Establishment and Background of ISTEM
Istanbul University Continuing Medical Education and Research Center (ISTEM)was established in 1997, by the chancellor of Istanbul University (established in 1453 ) which is the most ancient and scientific institution of the Country, with the aim of supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education programs.

Istanbul University has already established a modern education center in its own organizational structure in the beginning of 90's to promote the continuous renovations. In the year 1991, Istanbul University Audiovisual Research and Application Center (ODVIM) was established in the Campus of Istanbul Medical Faculty to promote the visual training besides classical medical education. The mission of ODVIM was to obtain necessary equipment for educational needs and provide visual training material also to support "Videoscopic Surgery" applications, researches and educations. As a result of fast improvements in the communication technology around the world, ODVIM has increased its effectiveness and efficiency, targeted postgraduate medical education programs mostly.

Later, with the proposal of chancellor, the decision of Istanbul University Senate and the approval of Turkish Higher Educational System, ODVIM has been restructured as ISTEM on November 14, 1996. With its organized infrastructure and experienced staff, ISTEM began to work immediately to reach its targets and in a short period of time succeed to become an organized institution.

The reason for the establishment of ISTEM
Since the information technology is changing and improving so rapidly, the knowledge which is acquired in the undergraduate education programs has to be improved during the postgraduate education, new information and methods must be followed by the experts continuously, to update their knowledge and skills.

This is much more important for the medical sciences since the subject is human health. Doctors should have the opportunity to follow the most update informations and knowledge to apply the best medical treatment to their patients. That is why these continuing medical education and research centers needed.

Especially in Developed Countries postgraduate medical education is very important and Continuing Medical Education Centers are established to organize this kind of education and training.