Is That Deductible? Exploring Egypt with CME Away

As a physician who’s also a micro-business owner, I’ve learned that professional education can sometimes overlap with bucket-list adventures. This year, SimpliMD has taken continuing medical education (CME) to new heights with our partnership with CME Away whom I will be speaking for in Iceland and Ireland next year. But this month I have had a personal learning experience with CME Away set against the backdrop of Egypt’s timeless landscapes. Not only does it offer physicians a chance to fulfill CME credits, but it’s also part of a personal journey for us to see 50 world landmarks. And for those wondering if such experiences can be deductible, read on!

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From business-class flights to a river cruise along the Nile, this CME adventure covers both education and exploration. While some experiences come included, others are optional, making it easy to customize this journey of a lifetime.

The CME Experience and Itinerary in Egypt

The Uniworld itinerary for our Egypt CME meeting combines formal CME lectures with guided tours to some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Here’s a closer look at what’s included:

1. Cairo: The adventure began as soon as we touch down in Cairo. After a smooth transfer from the airport, we embark on our first explorations. Highlights include the Citadel of Salah al-Din, the stunning Alabaster Mosque, and the Egyptian Museum—a treasure trove of antiquities. There was also an option to explore the Alexandria pre-cruise and a local bazaar for evening culture, which we chose not to do.

2. Luxor and the Temples: After flying to Luxor, we visitted the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak and embark on our river cruise, which served as our home base as we explored the Nile. Over the next few days, we visitted Dendera’s Temple of Hathor, the Temple of Luxor, and the Colossi of Memnon, with other optional excursions available that we passed on.

3. The Valley of the Kings and More: Luxor is the gateway to the legendary Valley of the Kings, where we’ll saw the ancient tombs of the pharaohs, including those of Tutankhamun and Ramses. The tours and close up views of these areas was fantastic and amazing!

4. Kom Ombo and Aswan: This leg of the journey included a traditional Galabeya party, a scenic motorboat tour of Nile life, and visits to the temples of Kom Ombo and Philae. A sunset tea at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan provided a peaceful way to end a day of exploration.

5. Cruising the Nile: Our final days included cruising through Edfu and Esna with stops at the Temple of Khnum and a tour of the ancient sites of Memphis, including the Sphinx, the Pyramids of Giza, and Sakkara.

Each day combined structured CME sessions with guided tours and experiences, allowing for immersive learning that’s anything but typical classroom training.

Traveling with a Plus-One: A Perk of CME

One of the standout benefits of CME Away is that spouses can travel at no additional cost. For professionals juggling the demands of a career and family, this is a welcome opportunity to bond with loved ones while keeping up with professional requirements. Egypt offers endless discoveries, from ancient temples to vibrant marketplaces, and sharing these experiences with someone special makes the trip even more rewarding.

Luxury Travel, Covered and Optional Adventures

As part of the package, we traveled in style—business class flights, first-rate accommodations, and gourmet meals onboard the river cruise. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included throughout the journey, giving us ample opportunity to indulge in local and international cuisine.

While most of the core tour elements are covered, there are additional experiences, like a camel ride across the desert or a dune-surfing adventure, that are optional and available for a small fee. These activities allow travelers to tailor the experience to their interests and budget. While they may not be deductible, these unique opportunities make memories that last a lifetime.

Practical Considerations: Deductible or Not?

For those curious about which parts of a trip like this could be deductible, here are some general guidelines:

• Deductible Expenses: Typically, expenses directly related to the conference or CME requirements, such as the flight, lodging, and meals provided as part of the conference package, may be deductible. The IRS considers these necessary for business purposes as long as there’s a formal agenda of educational content.

• Non-Deductible Expenses: Optional excursions, like camel rides or sound-and-light shows, are generally considered personal expenses, as they are outside the educational program. So while they enhance the travel experience, they don’t fall under deductible business expenses.

As always, check with a CPA or tax advisor for specific deductions applicable to your business structure.

Personalized Micro-Business Consulting: Let SimpliMD Help You Grow

Experiences like CME Away are just one of the many ways that you can enrich your career beyond the traditional practice model. At SimpliMD, we understand that managing a micro-business as a physician can be complex, but we’re here to make it simpler. For just $99, you can schedule a personalized micro-business consultation that opens the door to a one-year membership with SimpliMD (a $2,500 value). With access to our suite of business products, you’ll have the tools and support needed to navigate every aspect of your micro-corporation.

Take Charge of Your Career with “Creating a Practice Without Walls”

Physicians today have more career flexibility than ever. My course, “Creating a Practice Without Walls,” empowers you with the knowledge to start a micro-corporation, equipping you with the freedom to serve your patients on your terms. If you’re ready to reclaim control of your professional life and work independently in the healthcare marketplace, this course will guide you every step of the way. And here is the great news, I am making my course available today only for 50% off. This is your best time to buy my highly popular course.

Build Your Business with SimpliMD’s Business Plan Bundle

Establishing a successful micro-corporation requires careful planning and precision. Including CME as a line item in your budget is essential to cover the expenses of a high-cost international CME experience, such as in Egypt. This is why I developed the SimpliMD Business Plan Bundle. The bundle includes:

• A Business Plan Template tailored for self-employed physicians.

• A Micro-Corporation Budget Template designed to save you time.

• A SWOT Analysis Template to help you maximize your business potential.

These tools are designed with your unique needs in mind, allowing you to streamline your business planning, budgeting, and strategy development.

Make Education Part of Your Adventure

Through CME Away and our tools at SimpliMD, we’re committed to making professional development both exciting and accessible. Whether it’s ticking off bucket-list items like the pyramids or gaining valuable insights for your practice, we’re here to support your journey