AMA Wire

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

This Week's News

AMA, AAMC establish panel to guide LCME work in med ed accreditation

AMA, AAMC establish panel to guide LCME work in med ed accreditation

The AMA and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) on Tuesday announced their plans to form a new advisory council to support the work of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and help advance the future of medical education in the United States.

Under more than 70 years of sponsorship by the AMA and AAMC, the LCME has developed the gold standard for accreditation of medical education programs. The LCME is the nationally recognized accrediting authority for medical education programs leading to the MD degree. The new council, established in a memorandum of understanding the two organizations signed July 9, will provide advice on critical issues surrounding the LCME.

The nine-member council, which will be comprised of three representatives from each organization and the LCME, is charged with enhancing communication, improving planning and facilitating the sharing of best practices. With the council's guidance, the LCME should be better equipped to handle the increased accreditation demands associated with the development of new medical schools and the expansion of existing ones.

The organizations' memorandum of understanding also targets improvements to facilitate strategic planning for the LCME.

“This agreement is consistent with the AMA's historic leadership role in shaping medical education in this country and aligns nicely with the AMA's new strategic objective to accelerate change in medical education,” AMA CEO and Executive Vice President James L. Madara, MD, said.

Accelerating change in medical education is one of three focus areas under the AMA's new strategic direction.