Accreditation is a formal process by which an independent, recognized authority evaluates and verifies that an institution, program or organization meets established standards of quality and effectiveness.
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the MD degree in the United States. Sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA), the LCME ensures that medical schools meet rigorous standards in areas such as curriculum, student support, faculty qualifications and institutional resources. Accreditation by the LCME is a mark of quality and accountability, affirming that a medical school provides an educational environment that prepares students for safe, effective and ethical medical practice.
At the Jacobs School, maintaining LCME accreditation is essential to our mission and reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in medical education.
The Jacobs School received full accreditation in 2019. Our next site visit will be in 2026-2027.
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a cornerstone of the accreditation process because it ensures that medical schools are not only meeting current standards but are also actively working to enhance the quality of education over time. For accrediting bodies like the LCME, CQI demonstrates a school’s commitment to self-assessment, responsiveness to feedback and data-driven decision-making.
By embedding CQI into institutional practices, schools can identify areas for improvement, implement meaningful changes and sustain excellence—ultimately ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for lifelong learning and clinical excellence.
At the Jacobs School, our CQI policy formalizes this commitment by establishing a structured, transparent process for evaluating and improving all aspects of the medical education program. It ensures that feedback from students, faculty and staff is systematically collected and acted upon, that data is regularly reviewed to inform decision-making, and that improvements are aligned with both LCME standards and the school’s strategic goals, helping to create a culture where continuous improvement is not just encouraged, but expected.