Abstract: The field of stem cell medicine is rapidly advancing, with many therapies progressing to clinical trials, but the rise of unproven stem cell treatments and clinics also presents significant challenges. This transformative era in stem cell medicine will revolutionize treatment options in the coming years, but integrating stem cell medicine into clinical practice requires clinicians to have authoritative, evidence-based knowledge for effective patient care. To address this, the ISSCR, in partnership with Harvard Medical School (HMS), has developed an open-access Continuing Medical Education (CME) course, Stem Cell Medicine: From Scientific Research to Patient Care.
The course was developed in three phases: 1) global consultation to identify unmet needs in stem cell education. 2) prioritization of content and delivery methods for educational impact, and 3) creation of on-demand, online training material.
The course consists of seven modules covering topics from basic stem cell biology to effective patient communication strategies. Key content includes distinguishing between approved, investigational, and unproven stem cell treatments, as well as the transition from preclinical research to clinical trials and applications. Examples from scientific literature are used throughout to illustrate key concepts. The final module synthesizes the course’s content, focusing on patient communication. It teaches the concept of therapeutic hope and persuasive communication, to support informed decision-making by patients, including several common patient scenarios.
Launched in May 2025, this open-access course offers AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and ANCC contact hours. It is an invaluable resource for clinicians, scientists, and healthcare providers, empowering them to navigate stem cell medicine confidently. Future disease-specific courses will cover areas where stem cell medicine is more advanced.
