Cooper Medical School of Rowan University earns full LCME reaccreditation
Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) has achieved full reaccreditation for the maximum eight years from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the U.S.
“We are extremely pleased by the outcome of the LCME re-accreditation process, for which we began preparing more than two years ago,” said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU. “The analysis was comprehensive and the multi-day virtual site visit in March was rigorous. I truly believe that this excellent outcome is a reflection of the quality of CMSRU’s medical education program.”
Dean Reboli announced the news in a special email communication to students, faculty and staff last week. In her letter, she recognized those who worked hard to ensure the LCME site surveyors were provided complete and accurate information. She also expressed her gratitude to those who work continuously to ensure that CMSRU is meeting – and in many cases exceeding – the standards of quality set forth by the LCME.
“Many thanks to all who served on committees, assisted with preparations, and to those who participated in survey visit sessions,” she wrote. “Of course, this wonderful outcome rests firmly on the strong foundation provided by the daily work of our faculty and staff.”
CMSRU received full accreditation in 2016, shortly after the graduation of its Charter Class. Its first LCME accreditation was for five years, which is the maximum for a new medical school. CMSRU’s next LCME reaccreditation will be during the 2028-2029 academic year.
LCME accreditation is a peer-review process of quality assurance to determine if a medical school program located in the United States meets established standards in medical education.
“The LCME accreditation process is a wonderful chance for medical schools to step back from day-to-day activities and take a holistic look at their curriculum, structure, and resources,” added Dean Reboli. “This is an excellent quality assurance exercise that serves us well as we strive for excellence.”
A partnership between Rowan University and The Cooper Health System, CMSRU enrolled its first students in summer 2012 in Camden, N.J. It was the first new medical school in New Jersey in over 35 years and the only four-year, MD-granting medical school in South Jersey. CMSRU is a proudly mission-driven school focused on developing highly skilled and socially conscious physician leaders who value a patient-centered, team approach to health care. Its innovative curriculum provides students with small-group, self-directed learning and early and continuous patient care experiences, beginning the third week of medical school. There are 444 medical students currently pursuing their MD degrees at CMSRU, and 425 alumni.