A Message from the Deans Regarding the Medical School Integration: LCME Accreditation and the Curriculum

September 26, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

During our latest integration-focused informational event, our medical schools hosted a session dealing with LCME Accreditation and the Curriculum, featuring Maria L. Soto-Greene, MD, MS-HPEd, executive vice dean of New Jersey Medical School; Carol A. Terregino, MD, senior associate dean for education and academic affairs at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Christin M. Traba, MD, MPH, associate dean for education at NJMS; and Archana Pradhan, MD, MPH, associate dean for clinical education at RWJMS.

Together, they reviewed a proposed timeline of the LCME accreditation process, as well as a potential approach to adapting the curriculum when attaining a joint accreditation: a parallel curriculum, with a joint set of core educational competencies and objectives.

"It's going to be a tremendous advantage for our medical students to be able to benefit from all the creativity and innovation from both of our medical schools. Integration is a lot of hard work, but by the same token, I'm incredibly confident and optimistic. I see great things ahead for our medical students," said Dr. Terregino.

"While the LCME accreditation process is rigorous in monitoring, it also allows for innovation and flexibility," noted Dr. Soto-Greene. "Given the outstanding -- and I want to repeat that -- outstanding yet different curricula at NJMS and RWJMS, this will be a clear advantage and asset as we move towards a single accreditation."

Download the Q&A Flyer

If you did not have the opportunity to participate in this recent webinar on LCME accreditation and the curriculum, or you would like to view it again, you can access a recording of the event here.

Next Steps...

We look forward to continuing the momentum from this most recent event in a number of different ways, including:

• Chats with the Deans – We will provide regular Medical Integration: Chats with the Deans opportunities. Individuals can sign up to attend live virtual chats beginning in October and November.
• Focus Groups – We are convening ongoing focus groups to do a deeper dive into core subjects surrounding the integration, such as mission/vision/values.

Information about how to participate in the chats with the deans will be forthcoming.

We also encourage you to continue checking Our Future: Rutgers School of Medicine website for information throughout the integration process.

Thanks to all of those who shared their insights and asked questions during this joint event and through the survey forms and other feedback mechanisms so far. We are excited about connecting and collaborating with you as we continue the work to move forward in the next steps toward integration.

Sincerely,

Amy P. Murtha, MD
Dean, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP
Dean, New Jersey Medical School