Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked question related to LCME accreditation.

What is the LCME?

LCME stands for Liaison Committee on Medical Education. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States or Canada. In short, LCME accredits US allopathic medical schools. It is sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). The website for the organization is www.lcme.org.

What does LCME accreditation mean?

Accreditation signifies that national standards for structure, function, and performance are met by a medical school’s education program leading to the MD degree (as defined in the LCME document “Functions and Structure of a Medical School”). Accreditation by the LCME establishes eligibility for selected federal grants and programs. Most state boards of licensure require that U.S. medical schools be accredited by the LCME as a condition for licensure of their graduates. Eligibility of U.S. students to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) requires LCME accreditation of their school. Graduates of LCME-accredited schools are eligible for residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

What is the process to maintain LCME accreditation?

Established medical education programs typically undergo a self-study process and a full survey visit every eight years. The LCME may request a full survey visit in less than eight years if there are questions about the sustainability or quality of the medical education program.

Following review of the survey team report and findings from each full survey visit, the LCME may require one or more follow-up activities (e.g., limited survey visits, consultations, status reports) if it determines that the program is not in compliance with one or more accreditation standards or has unsatisfactory performance in one or more accreditation elements, or if the LCME has identified areas in compliance that require monitoring where the final outcome could result in noncompliance with one or more accreditation standards.

When are all the documents for the LCME self-study due?

Our required documents are due December 30, 2019.

When is the next full survey site visit?

Our full survey site visit will take place March 22-25, 2020.

Who is leading our accreditation preparation?

Dr. Robert G. Carroll, Associate Dean for Medical Education, co-chairs the LCME Steering Committee and is the Faculty Accreditation Lead.

Jenna M. Lindsay, Business Officer, is the Administration Lead and LCME Coordinator.