Liaison Committee on Medical Education
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is the accrediting body for U.S. medical education programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
UGA SOM Accreditation Timeline
Preliminary Accreditation
New medical education programs seeking LCME accreditation undergo a stepwise review process until full accreditation is granted. Programs are defined as “accredited” beginning with the granting of preliminary accreditation and have the rights associated with that designation.
The University of Georgia School of Medicine received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in February 2026 and is listed on the LCME Directory of Accredited Programs
Provisional Accreditation
The purpose of the review for provisional accreditation is to evaluate progress to date in the implementation of the medical education program and the status of planning for later stages of the program.
The review for provisional accreditation typically occurs when the first entering class is in the second year of the curriculum. The LCME will grant provisional accreditation if it identifies no significant areas of concern related to performance in accreditation elements, compliance with standards, and planning for the later stages of the medical education program. Provisional accreditation becomes effective as of the date that the LCME acts to grant provisional accreditation status.
The UGA SOM will undergo review for preliminary accreditation in January 2028.
Full Accreditation
For medical education programs with provisional accreditation, the review for full accreditation typically occurs when the first entering class is in the final year of the curriculum.
If the LCME determines that the program demonstrates satisfactory performance in accreditation elements and compliance with accreditation standards, it will grant full accreditation for a period of five years.
After the LCME grants initial full accreditation to a new program, its next full survey occurs in five years. Subsequent full surveys normally will occur on an eight-year cycle.
For more information on the LCME please visit lcme.org or contact [email protected].