The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the reliable authority for the accreditation of allopathic medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States.

LCME accreditation certifies that the medical school has complied with accreditation standards and requirements and is available to graduate medical students.

Students attending an LCME-accredited school are eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) exams. Graduates of LCME-accredited schools are eligible for residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Everyone affiliated and connected with the Medical School and the medical education program has a part in upholding our standards, improving our program, and involving themselves in the success of our students. Beyond faculty and students, this encompasses residents, researchers, community partners, and, of course, members of our community whom we serve. Accreditation is vital to the sustainability, effectiveness, operationality, and the reputation of the Medical School.

The reaccreditation process includes a two-year self-study phase involving the collection and review of relevant data and supporting evidence, stakeholder engagement and participation, and preparation for the site visit. Although the site visit itself spans two days, it represents the culmination of an extensive, collaborative effort that begins well in advance.

The Medical School engages in continuous quality improvement (CQI) to monitor ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements, assess readiness for reaccreditation, identify strengths, and initiate corrective actions to remedy any improvements. This ongoing process supports continuous improvement and helps ensure the Medical School is well prepared for the upcoming survey visit.

The Medical School engages in continuous quality improvement (CQI) to monitor ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements, assess readiness for reaccreditation, identify strengths, and initiate corrective actions to remedy any improvements. This ongoing process supports continuous improvement and helps ensure the Medical School is well prepared for the upcoming survey visit.

How Can I Get Involved?

• Students: Students across all years and phases of the curriculum will be invited to participate in the student-led Independent Student Analysis (ISA), which gathers student data on the medical education program. Findings from the ISA analysis will inform the Medical School’s self-study report to the LCME. Student Senate leaders may invite students to help administer the survey, analyze the results, and prepare the ISA report.

During the two-day survey visit, the LCME survey team will request meetings with students from across all years and phases of the curriculum, and the Medical School will invite students to participate in these meetings.

For more information, visit the LCME website on student involvement.

• Faculty & Staff: Faculty and administrators are invited to participate in the Self-Study Task Force (SSTF), which reviews and analyzes the Data Collection Instrument (DCI)—the report to the LCME drafted by subject matter experts. The SSTF identifies program strengths and challenges, evaluates areas for improvement, and recommends corrective actions as needed. Members may also contribute to DCI content and, depending on their roles, may be invited to participate in interviews with the LCME survey team during the site visit.
• Affiliated Clinical Partners: Clinical partners play an important role in supporting a positive, professional, and effective learning environment for medical students at affiliated clinical sites. As partners in medical education, they share responsibility with the Medical School for ensuring that the clinical learning environment supports student learning and professional growth. During the LCME survey visit, clinical partners may be invited to meet with the LCME survey team to discuss the clinical learning environment and their role in supporting medical student education.