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From Sept. 16–17, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) finalized its initial accreditation site assessment for the University of Georgia School of Medicine. This evaluation is a critical and essential procedure for the institution to achieve formal accreditation.

A group of evaluators from the LCME dedicated two days on location, undertaking a comprehensive review of the School of Medicine’s regulations, educational initiatives, and infrastructure. The aim of the visit was to ascertain whether the educational program has made adequate progress towards alignment with applicable accreditation criteria and has created acceptable plans for its future operations.

“The UGA School of Medicine is continually making remarkable advancements, with this site assessment bringing us one step closer to securing preliminary accreditation status,” remarked President Jere W. Morehead. “I wish to express my gratitude to Dean Shelley Nuss and the numerous individuals who have contributed to this vital process, and I eagerly anticipate the transformative influence the School of Medicine will have on our state and its residents in the coming years.”

The LCME, the accrediting organization for medical education programs leading to a doctor of medicine degree, is collaboratively sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association. Accreditation by the LCME is essential for graduates of a medical school to qualify for the United States Medical Licensing Examination and residency opportunities.

“Finalizing this site evaluation from the LCME is a significant achievement for the School of Medicine,” stated Founding Dean Shelley Nuss. “I am grateful to our administration, faculty, and staff for their support and relentless efforts to ensure a successful visit. I take pride in their dedication and commitment to the School of Medicine and our prospective medical students.”

The LCME awarded the School of Medicine candidate status in February. The School of Medicine anticipates being informed by the LCME of its verdict on preliminary accreditation status in February 2026. If approved, the School of Medicine may start the recruitment of its first class of medical students.

Construction on the new $100 million, 93,000-square-foot medical education and research facility commenced in May and is currently in full swing. The new cutting-edge facility is situated on the UGA Health Sciences Campus and will function as the main educational building. The design encompasses spacious, active-learning classroom environments; anatomy laboratory; simulation center; clinical skills center; extensive offerings of individual and group study alternatives; student lounge and wellness areas; and nearly one-third of the building allocated for biomedical research. Completion of construction is expected by December 2026.

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