Whiddon College of Medicine completes LCME accreditation site visit
Posted on November 5, 2026
The Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine recently completed a comprehensive site visit as part of its accreditation review by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for medical education programs leading to the M.D. degree in the United States.
The peer-review process evaluates all aspects of a medical school's operations and educational program, including its leadership, institutional resources, learning environment, curriculum, student assessment and support services. Fully accredited medical schools undergo a comprehensive review every eight years.
Jeffrey La Rochelle, M.D., dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the accreditation process extends beyond meeting required standards, allowing the college to take a deeper look at its programs, assess progress, and identify opportunities for further improvement.
“I have always looked at LCME accreditation as the minimum standard of competency for a college of medicine, and the process provides an opportunity for a deep, introspective look across all the units and functions of our college to ensure we are not making any assumptions about the quality of the education we deliver,” La Rochelle said. “This process not only can identify unknown gaps, but it also highlights areas of best practices that we may incorporate across the college.”
The college's Office of Accreditation and Planning led the preparation efforts through the Continuous Quality Improvement Committee. T.J. Hundley, M.D., served as faculty accreditation lead; Melisa Pierce, Ed.D., served as site visit coordinator; and Wendy Wheeler coordinated visit logistics and materials preparation.
Preparation for the visit began more than a year ago, with a writing team developing a 400-page Data Collection Instrument supported by approximately 80 appendices documenting the college's compliance with LCME standards and elements. Students also prepared and submitted an Independent Student Analysis, providing feedback on the curriculum, student services, learning environment and institutional resources.
A six-member LCME survey team spent two days on campus reviewing documentation, meeting with members of the college community, and evaluating the college's compliance with accreditation standards. During the visit, the team met with senior leadership, clinical and basic sciences department chairs, 20 senior and junior faculty members, 28 medical students in the pre-clerkship and clerkship phases, eight residents, and more than a dozen staff members.
La Rochelle emphasized that their involvement is essential not only during accreditation but also in the college's ongoing efforts to improve its educational and research programs.
“Without feedback from our stakeholders, we will never know if those interventions have truly been successful in the way we have implemented them,” he said. He added that hearing from those who deliver, manage and participate in the college's programs also helps establish long-term goals and strategic priorities.
Through conversations with members of the college community, La Rochelle said a common theme emerged: “The most consistent message is that we have a well-functioning college of medicine that is responsive to the needs of our faculty, staff and learners.”
The LCME will meet in February to make its official accreditation determination. As the college develops its 2027–2031 strategic plan, it will translate feedback from the accreditation process into clear goals, measurable outcomes and action plans.
Learn more about the Whiddon College of Medicine's accreditation process.
