The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the MD degree. LCME accreditation is a peer-reviewed quality assurance process that ensures medical schools meet established standards while promoting continuous improvement. To achieve and maintain accreditation, a program must meet LCME accreditation standards, which are outlined in the Functions and Structure of a Medical School. Medical schools undergo a comprehensive review by the LCME every 8 years, with interim monitoring as needed.
Tulane SOM's next site visit is scheduled for February 22-24, 2027. The general steps in the accreditation process are as follows:
- Data Collection and Documentation: Complete the Data Collection Instrument (DCI), conduct the Independent Student Analysis (ISA), and gather supporting documents
- Institutional Self-Study: A self-study task force reviews the DCI, the ISA, and other relevant information to assess performance and creates a summary report outlining institutional strengths, challenges, and strategies for improvement
- Site Visit: On-site evaluation by an ad hoc survey team
- Accreditation Decision: LCME determination of performance
To support effective planning and coordination, the following timeline of events outlines the key components involved in the accreditation process.
Self-Study Subcommittees: The Self-Study Subcommittees conduct a comprehensive review of specific areas of the medical education program and identify strengths and areas for improvement. These subcommittees are composed of faculty, administrators, trainees, and staff, each assigned to specific standards or topics.
Self-Study Task Force: The Self-Study Task Force oversees the self-study process. It ensures that self-study subcommittees are working effectively and timelines are met. It is also responsible for analyzing the findings of the self-study subcommittees and preparing the final self-study report that will be submitted to the LCME.
Independent Student Analysis (ISA) Committee: The ISA Committee is responsible for designing, administering, and analyzing a comprehensive survey of the medical student body as part of the LCME accreditation process. Its main goal is to gather student perspectives on key areas such as the curriculum, learning environment, student services, and overall satisfaction. The committee, composed of students, ensures that the survey results are accurately interpreted and compiled into the ISA report, which is submitted alongside the self-study documents. This report provides a critical, student-driven evaluation that informs both the self-study and the LCME site visit.
LCME Connecting with the Secretariat Webinars
- Functions and Structure of a Medical School
- Data Collection Instrument (DCI)
- Checklist of Requirements for Completing the Independent Student Analysis (ISA)
- Guide to the Institutional Self-Study Report
The Accreditation Leadership Team includes:
L. Lee Hamm, III, MD, FACP
Senior Vice President and Dean of the School of Medicine
James R. Doty Distinguished Professor and Chair
Self-Study Task Force Chair
Chayan Chakraborti, MD, FACP, SFHM
Associate Dean for Medical Education and Academic Affairs
Faculty Accreditation Lead
Jenny Gibson, PhD
Director of Accreditation
Survey Visit Coordinator
