MUSM enjoys success with LCME limited survey visit

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education visited MUSM on October 8^th through 11^th to perform a limited site visit and survey. The visit was prompted by the findings of the full accreditation survey performed in February, at which time the LCME found MUSM in partial or substantial non-compliance with 9 accreditation standards and “in transition” in 6 other areas. The term “in transition” signifies that the institution has recognized the need for improvement and is taking steps to correct a problem, but has not yet achieved full resolution of the concern.

Although the official letter from the LCME did not arrive until late June 2005, MUSM had begun taking corrective actions upon receipt of the preliminary report at the time of the full survey in February 2005.

Eight of the nine citations for non-compliance were related to curriculum management, assessment, or support of the educational program. The preliminary report of the LCME’s limited survey team, delivered to the MUSM and University administration on October 11^th, indicated that MUSM is now in full compliance with these standards. In delivering their report, the survey team noted the apparent energy and enthusiasm with which the faculty is addressing the LCME’s concerns, as well as the collegial atmosphere in which the necessary changes are occurring. The team was clearly impressed with the remarkable amount of work that had been done in a short period of time. The team was equally impressed with the candor and positive attitude of our students.

The survey team also indicated that MUSM is now in full compliance with regard to faculty governance, faculty advancement (promotion and tenure process), and faculty strength for teaching. The survey team indicated that MUSM remains “in transition” in the areas of student diversity, academic advising, and research.

The survey team indicated that MUSM remains out of compliance with standard MS-24, which addressed student debt load. We are confident with our increasing scholarship funds and other measures that student indebtedness will soon no longer be a problem for MUSM and not a concern of the LCME.

At a school-wide reception on October 18^th observing the highly successful LCME visit, Dean Dalton expressed his profound appreciation to faculty, students, and support staff for their multiple contributions to this significant event in the history of Mercer University School of Medicine. Special thanks and an engraved plaque were awarded to the two principal leaders in the preparation of our responses to the LCME citations. These were Robert Donner, M.D., who chaired the Curriculum and Instruction Committee in magnificent fashion and Robert Hash, M.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who was the acknowledged leader in preparing our responses for the LCME.

For more information please see "LCME Information Clearing House"