Robert Stern, BFA, MA, CCMEP, President & CEO

A healthcare education innovator for more than 30 years, Mr. Stern founded Projects In Knowledge in 1980. He pioneered the use of distance-learning technologies and self-directed study, creating a rich array of medical programming. Today, he continues to research, embrace, and incorporate the latest technological advances into virtually every aspect of the company.

Robert Stern Named to 2009 PharmaVOICE 100 Most Inspiring and Influential People in Life Sciences


Early on, Mr. Stern recognized the importance of delivering timely and relevant CME/CE activities in a variety of formats, enabling each learner to tailor the educational experience to meet his or her own unique needs and preferred learning styles. He maintains this tradition at Projects In Knowledge today by continuously assessing the effectiveness of the multiple educational delivery methods the company employs, monitoring participants' individual learning styles, and developing activities that are compatible with learner needs and preferences.

Before it was entirely fashionable, Mr. Stern established the Trust In Knowledge peer-review process for each and every Projects In Knowledge CME/CE activity. Realizing that clinicians and the public need assurance that medical education is evidence-based, has scientific integrity, and will improve patient care, he implemented a third-party, independent review process through a partnership with the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Office of CME. This review process has since expanded to include a total of three academic institutions, which ensure that fair balance is provided and the information presented is scientifically valid, relevant, timely, and free of commercial bias.

To further ensure that Projects In Knowledge is meeting the educational needs of physicians and other healthcare professionals, Mr. Stern has implemented an aggressive outcomes measurement process, designed to identify clinicians' knowledge acquisition and retention as well as to measure practice changes.

As a direct result of Mr. Stern's drive, vision, and pursuit of excellence, Projects In Knowledge in 2006 was awarded a 6-year ACCME reaccreditation with commendation—the highest rating achievable by a provider of CME—including Exemplary status in four categories. He also guided the company's successful application to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) for accreditation as a provider of continuing pharmacy education, which was granted in 2007.

Mr. Stern is also the founder of MedPage Today, a pioneering web-based provider of real-time 24/7 breaking medical news, medical/scientific meeting coverage, and other resources for medical professionals, who can earn CME/CE credits by reading the news and conducting point-of-care searches.

Previously, he was President of CMEinfo.com, a producer of board review and medical update courses for physicians. Mr. Stern was also the start-up investor and a founder of FingerTip Formulary, a website that allows physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine formulary drug status for health plans.

In addition, Mr. Stern is the editor of Genome, the first anthology devoted to exploring how the human genome was mapped.

Mr. Stern graduated from the Film School at New York University (Tisch School of the Arts at NYU) and earned his master's degree in education with an emphasis on medical communications from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.