The University of Georgia (UGA) has received preliminary accreditation for its new School of Medicine from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) as of February 13, 2024. This pivotal designation allows UGA to recruit and admit its inaugural class, marking a significant advancement in public medical education within the state of Georgia. Applications for the first class, set to begin in fall 2026, will be available in the coming weeks.
“Preliminary accreditation is a tremendous milestone for the School of Medicine, the University of Georgia and our entire state,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. He expressed gratitude to the many individuals whose efforts have contributed to this achievement, highlighting the anticipated positive impact UGA-trained physicians will have on communities throughout Georgia for generations.
The LCME’s decision followed a comprehensive evaluation of the School of Medicine’s policies, educational programs, and facilities, culminating in an on-site review by LCME surveyors last September. This accreditation lays the groundwork for a new generation of physicians dedicated to enhancing the state’s healthcare workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
As Georgia’s population nears 11 million, the gap between demand for healthcare and available services has widened, resulting in longer wait times and decreased access to care. Currently, Georgia ranks 39th nationally in active patient care physicians per capita and 41st in public medical students per capita. These figures underscore the importance of expanding in-state medical education to improve health outcomes across the state.
“This is a remarkably historic day for our university and state,” noted Shelley Nuss, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine. She emphasized that preliminary accreditation enables the institution to advance in its mission of preparing physicians who will serve local communities and improve health outcomes across Georgia and beyond.
The School of Medicine will reside on UGA’s Health Sciences Campus in Athens, Georgia, which will benefit from a new $100 million medical education and research facility expected to be completed in December 2024. This facility will include advanced clinical simulation, collaborative learning spaces, and essential biomedical research infrastructure.
In addition, the School of Medicine has received over $10.8 million in scholarship commitments from generous donors. This financial support aims to broaden access to medical education and assist in recruiting and enrolling exceptional students.
The LCME, responsible for accrediting medical education programs leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree, is jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association. Accreditation from the LCME is critical for graduates to be eligible for the United States Medical Licensing Examination and residency programs.
As part of its ongoing responsibilities, the LCME will continue to evaluate the School of Medicine as it works toward provisional and, ultimately, full accreditation, ensuring that it meets the highest standards in medical education.
