Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine Given Maximum Accreditation Term

MAYWOOD, Ill. – The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) has granted Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine its maximum term of eight years’ accreditation. This acknowledges Stritch’s excellence in medical education including meeting or exceeding the national standards for structure, function and performance. With graduates already in demand by residency programs across the nation, the accreditation adds to the accolades that recognize Stritch as a leader in medical education and research. “The LCME accreditation is a powerful endorsement of our school’s programs and commitment to mission. The Stritch School of Medicine is rightfully proud of its students. We are fortunate to have a wonderful and dedicated faculty and staff that each day work to prepare the next generation of physician leaders,” said Dr. Richard L. Gamelli, dean, Stritch School of Medicine. The process included gathering data and information from all facets of the school that were analyzed by the LCME. This was followed by a two-day site visit where numerous people that included interviews of administration, faculty and students. “This process was a real team effort. It was great to work with people from all over the health system and see what an excellent job everyone is doing. The outside affirmation was nice as well and beneficial to know that all the hard work is not going unnoticed,” said Dr. Gregory Gruener, senior associate dean educational affairs. LCME survey team members commended Stritch for its educational program noting that it is highly innovative in addressing established competencies of life-long learning and professionalism. Students’ ability to concentrate in research and professional ethics also were praised. Other strengths noted by the team included programs designed to help students adjust to medical school. Stand-outs were the Patient Centered Medicine course, which builds relationships between faculty and students through a four-year mentoring program; the support network offered through the University Ministry office; and the Teaching and Learning Center which provides programs to help students understand, organize and manage in light of their new responsibilities. In addition to excellence in medical education, the visit emphasized Stritch’s mission to reach beyond the walls of the classroom and laboratory in discovering what it means to also treat the human spirit. The survey team found this evident throughout the institution and exemplified by the Stritch students saying, “They exhibit an exceptional spirit of service and community, actively seeking to serve disadvantaged patients locally, nationally and internationally.” According to the team, the Loyola University Medical Center campus is a wonderful environment for clinical education. It is enhanced by facilities, such as the John and Herta Cuneo Medical Education Center that provides clinical skills and simulation areas that are adaptable to changing curricular needs and the Loyola Center for Fitness that provides extensive amenities to promote student wellness. “From administrative leadership to students, there is a tone and expectation of collegiality and professionalism that permeates the entire academic health center,” wrote Dan Hunt, MD, MBA, in the full survey team report.