The report was generally positive; but, as expected, there are areas in which we can improve and these were duly noted. We are in the process of addressing some of the issues highlighted and, these too, were identified as being areas in transition.

We will receive the final report from the Committee on the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCM E) in late Fall.

I think we can all be proud of the strengths that were reported in the summary of the survey team findings: Surveyors highlighted how leadership in the Dean’s Office and UGME have contributed to wide faculty and student support, and  improved relationships and engagement of the faculty to address the needs of the MD program.

The surveyors also pointed to OPAL, our online curriculum management system, as another strength for its capability to supervise student-patient contacts, monitor curriculum content and collate evaluation of student and faculty performance.

As well, the surveyors observed that our medical school’s in-depth approach to education on behavioral and socio-economic subjects is admired by our students.

The Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility (CLSF) was also noted for adding flexibility and depth to medical students’ learning experience.
Faculty members and support staff have worked extremely hard over the last several years to continue to improve and enhance our undergraduate medical education program and ensure compliance with the 132 rigorous LCME accreditation standards.

To that end, we are currently undergoing a Curriculum Renewal process, led by Dr. Keevin Bernstein, Director of UGME Curriculum Renewal. This summer, 11 task groups were established with broad representation of faculty, administrative staff and students/residents to develop strategies to ensure everything from clinical skills to professionalism to social accountability is incorporated into our new UGME curriculum. The Task Groups are expected to complete their deliberations and formally report to the Curriculum Renewal Working Group by October 31, 2011.

We are moving forward on many fronts and, as such, remain optimistic that our final UGME accreditation report will be a positive one.