Dean's Message
LCME Accreditation: Advancing Medical Education in Every Way Possible
As the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine prepares for its next Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accreditation review in March 2027, we proudly reflect on our long-standing tradition of educational excellence dating back to 1886. LCME accreditation is the accreditation agency for medical education programs leading to the Doctor of Medicine in the United States.
At Pitt Med, continuous quality improvement (CQI) is central to our mission. Our commitment to ongoing, honest and constructive self-evaluation ensures that we not only meet but strive to exceed LCME standards—not just every eight years, but every year. The CQI process is supported by the Office of Accreditation and CQI (ACQI), which is led by Assistant Dean Allison Serra, and has oversight by vice Dean for Education Abbas Hyderi, who is also Pitt Med’s LCME faculty accreditation lead.
The LCME accreditation process involves every member of our community and is supported by a dedicated CQI committee and a self-study process directed by an LCME Accreditation Steering Committee that includes six self-study committees with appointed members including more than 50 faculty from 20 departments, 15 staff from 11 offices, 8 students across all medical school years and an independent student analysis team.
The LCME accreditation process is an opportunity for us to examine every aspect of our program, ensuring that we provide an exceptional environment for learning, discovery and patient care. Our approach is collaborative and inclusive, maximizing every resource and engaging every bright mind to advance our educational mission.
I am deeply grateful to all who contribute to this ongoing effort. Your dedication ensures that Pitt Med remains a premier institution for medical education, preparing future physicians to lead with excellence and compassion. Together, we will continue to uphold the highest standards and advance our legacy of innovation and impact.
Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD
Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences
John and Gertrude Petersen Dean
School of Medicine