What is the LCME?
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in the United States and Canada. It is jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA). The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the LCME as the accrediting body for programs of medical education in the U.S.
LCME accreditation is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that ensures a medical school meets established standards for educational quality and institutional integrity. These standards cover all aspects of a medical education program, including curriculum, faculty, student services, facilities, and governance.
Why is LCME accreditation important?
- Graduation from an LCME-accredited medical school is a prerequisite for medical licensure in most U.S. states.
- Only graduates of LCME-accredited schools are eligible to enter residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
- Accreditation is required for eligibility for certain federal grants and financial aid programs
- Students must be enrolled in an LCME-accredited program to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- The accreditation process promotes institutional self-evaluation and continuous improvement, ensuring that medical schools evolve to meet the needs of students and the healthcare system.
Geisel School of Medicine & LCME Accreditation Status
The Geisel MD program received full accreditation for the maximum 8-year term after its last review. The next full survey visit will occur in the 2028-29 academic year. For more information, please contact the LCME Secretariat or email lcme@aamc.org.
The LCME accreditation process at Geisel is led by:
Sonia Chimienti, MD FIDSA, Dean of Education, LCME Faculty Accreditation Lead
Justine Cameron, MPP, Director of Accreditation, Evaluation, and Quality Improvement, LCME Survey Visit Coordinator
Paul Weissburg, PhD, Associate Dean for Assessment, Quality and Accreditation
General questions regarding the LCME accreditation at Geisel can be sent to Geisel.Evaluation.and.Assessment@dartmouth.edu.