The LCME Steering Committee will oversee the entire LCME review process, from arranging the Self Study in 2013 through the LCME site visit in January of 2016. The committee will make operational and policy decisions about preparation for LCME review.
The Executive Committee will oversee the self-study to ensure the process is inclusive, thoughtful, transparent, and achieves the goal of fostering institutional and program growth. The Executive Committee will review all subcommittee documents and oversee the writing of the Institution Self-Study Summary Report and the Executive Summary which will then be submitted to the LCME on October 1 of 2015. Of great importance, the group is tasked with recommending changes to assure the SOM meets all LCME standards.
The six LCME Subcommittees and their LCME Working Groups will answer the questions for their respective sections of the LCME self-study and will write the subcommittee reports to submit to the Executive Committee.
The LCME Coordinators have organized the LCME Database information for the subcommittees and working groups to use in answering their specific self-study questions. They will liaise with subcommittee and working group chairs to collect and distribute information.
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The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit medical schools in the United States and Canada. It has joint oversight by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) but is an independent organization.
What happens during an LCME review?
The medical school must conduct a thorough self-study and submit a large database of information. The medical school students conduct an independent student analysis of the School of Medicine and provide their results to the LCME. An LCME Site Survey Team then visits the school for four days to question faculty, administrators, staff, and students about all aspects of the medical school program, resources, and facilities. Additionally, they will meet with students privately and tour the school's facilities.
When do we learn the LCME’s decision?
At the end of the site visit, the team will report its major findings to the Dean and Augusta University President. Within the following few weeks they will submit their full report to the LCME Committee. Then the LCME Committee will discuss the report and reach a decision about the type and length of accreditation to give the medical school.
How long will it take to prepare?
It takes approximately one year of planning and two years of concentrated effort to prepare for the visit. Three big components of the preparation process that are completed during that time are the LCME Medical Education Database, the Institutional Self-Study, and the Independent Student Analysis.
Who will conduct the Self-Study?
Approximately 150 faculty, staff, and students will serve on the Institutional Self-Study Subcommittees and create the final Self-Study Report. The Institutional Self-Study Executive Task Force will also include University leaders and deans, faculty from across Grounds, and medical school alumni.
Why does accreditation matter?
Accreditation allows a medical school to award MD degrees and establishes eligibility for federal funds (including Title VII funding). It also allows students to participate in the AAMC’s application process, to take the USMLE, and to apply to ACGME residencies.
What is the term of full accreditation for a medical school?
Eight years, although schools with serious accreditation deficiencies may be accredited for shorter terms.
Who makes accreditation decisions?
The 19-member LCME Committee makes the decision. The members, who are chosen by the AAMC and the AMA, are medical educators and administrators, practicing physicians, students, and public members. The operations of the LCME are carried out by two secretariats, one at the AAMC and the other at the AMA.
What types of decisions does the LCME make?
Does the LCME really put schools on probation?
Yes. In 2012-2013, there were 137 accredited medical education schools in the United States and 17 in Canada. Four of the U.S. schools were on probation. No Canadian schools were on probation.
