LCME

Welcome to the Norton College of Medicine Accreditation Website. On October 29, 2019, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Secretariat notified Upstate that it had received full re-accreditation for the MD program after a rigorous and in-depth study conducted by a survey team in the spring of 2019. The LCME is the official accrediting organization for educational programs leading to the M.D. degree in the United States and Canada.

Preparations for LCME reviews are comprehensive and require sustained and focused efforts over approximately two years. The process leading up to the LCME site visit involves a robust data collection effort. Committees composed of over 100 faculty members, students, administrators, staff, and alumni are established to manage the process. Medical students play a critical role by organizing an Independent Student Analysis (ISA). The ISA evaluates LCME compliance from students’ perspectives and provides recommendations for improvement, which are addressed by the LCME committees during the review. These efforts culminated in a survey visit hosted by the medical school from March 24-27, 2019, conducted by an ad hoc team representing the LCME.

The LCME accreditation process provides an excellent opportunity for the Norton College of Medicine community to deepen its understanding of all aspects of the M.D. degree program and to implement quality improvements through a formal self-study process. Following the successful re-accreditation in 2019, the College of Medicine has been actively addressing recommendations for improvement raised through the self-study process, especially in areas noted as satisfactory with monitoring or unsatisfactory. The College’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan has incorporated new policies, processes, and procedures based on these ongoing efforts to enhance the student educational experience.

Looking ahead, the Norton College of Medicine is preparing for its next LCME accreditation site visit, scheduled for March 1-3, 2027. Preparations are already underway to ensure a thorough review process. This involves continued engagement of the medical school community and a renewed commitment to excellence in medical education. Medical students, faculty, and staff will play integral roles in preparing for the upcoming visit, building on the strong foundation established during the previous accreditation cycle.

LCME Explained

What is the LCME?

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 operates under the joint oversight of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) while maintaining its independence as an accrediting body.

How are we preparing for the LCME Process?

The Norton College of Medicine is actively preparing for the upcoming LCME site visit in March 2027 through a series of structured and collaborative efforts:

• From 2025 to 2026, Self-Study Working Groups will conduct a comprehensive review of all aspects of our medical education program. Their findings will be submitted to the LCME Steering Committee, which will compile a detailed report for the LCME-appointed site team and review committee.

• Medical students will play a key role by conducting an Independent Student Analysis (ISA) and submitting their findings to the LCME Steering Committee for inclusion in the review process.

• In December 2026, the College of Medicine will submit the completed Data Collection Instrument, the Independent Student Analysis, and a summary self-study report to the LCME-appointed team for evaluation.

• From March 1-3, 2027, an LCME-appointed team will visit the College to interview faculty, staff, and students and to tour major facilities.

For more information visit lcme.org/about/