LCME Accreditation at VP&S
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) serves as the recognized national authority for accrediting medical education programs that grant MD degrees in the United States. Sponsored by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the LCME ensures that medical schools meet nationally accepted standards and engage in continuous improvement.
More information is available on the LCME website.
What is VP&S’ Current Accreditation Status?
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, most recently in 2016. The university is currently undergoing a review. The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons currently has full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the status can be found here: https://lcme.org/directory/accredited-u-s-programs/
VP&S’s last accreditation site visit was in January 2018. The next formal LCME site visit will take place in academic year 2025-26.
Why is LCME Accreditation Important to VP&S?
Maintaining full LCME accreditation supports our mission to transform human health by driving discovery, advancing care, and educating leaders. Accreditation helps us promote excellence in education to ensure that our graduates are prepared to lead the next generation of medical research and patient care.
What LCME Accreditation Means for Medical Students
Licensure Eligibility: Students must attend an LCME-accredited school to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).State Licensure: Most state licensing boards require graduates of LCME-accredited schools for medical licensure.
LCME accreditation ensures that our learners receive the education and preparation necessary to thrive in all settings.
What LCME Accreditation Means for VP&S and Its Faculty
Continuous Improvement: The accreditation process helps drive institutional excellence, ensuring that our education model remains at the forefront of medical innovation.
Institutional Self-Study at VP&S
The Institutional Self-Study is a collaborative effort engaging students, faculty, and staff. Its goals are to:
- Identify Strengths and Areas for Growth: Assess how well VP&S meets LCME standards.
- Ensure Compliance: Confirm that our education programs meet or exceed national benchmarks.
- Foster Continuous Improvement: Support our mission of educating future leaders and transforming health outcomes through data-driven analysis.
Self-Study Process
Over the 2024-2025 academic year, Self-Study Subcommittees will address each of the 12 LCME Standards by:
- Analyzing data and educational practices.
- Proposing strategies to maintain excellence and enhance student success.
- Identifying areas for innovation in education and mentorship.
We invite all members of our community at all levels—junior and senior, clinical and basic science, department chairs, and educational leaders—to participate in this critical endeavor. Their contributions are invaluable in evaluating our curriculum, learning environment, faculty resources and alignment with our institutional goals.
If you are interested in serving on the Self-Study Task Force or contributing to one of the key subcommittees, please submit your name and a brief statement of interest by Monday, January 20,2025
What Documents Will Be Submitted to the LCME?
To complete the accreditation process, VP&S will submit the following in Fall 2025:
- Data Collection Instrument (DCI): A comprehensive document addressing the 12 LCME standards and 93 elements.
- Independent Student Analysis (ISA): A student-led evaluation of the medical education experience.
- Executive Summary Report: Highlighting strengths and strategies for improvement.
These documents will support the LCME Site Visit scheduled for January 26-28, 2026.
Timeline
Fall 2024
- LCME Launch Party
- Form Task Force and Subcommittees
- Distribute ISA survey to students
- Prepare DCI (data collection instrument)
Spring 2025
- Finalize ISA report
- Conduct Self-Study
- Begin planning survey visit logistics
Summer 2025
- Prepare Self-Study Summary report
Fall 2025
- Confirm survey logistics
- Submit reports to LCME
LCME Survey Visit
- January 26-28, 2026
