TEXAS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine (SOM) received notification that it has completed the final phase of accreditation required by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said this significant, yet expected, milestone is also important for the Rio Grande Valley because, going forward, the School of Medicine will be able to increase the number of students it can admit each year, thereby training more future physicians to address health care shortages throughout the region.
The UTRGV School of Medicine receives an average of 6,000 to 7,000 applications from prospective students each year, and in May graduated its fourth class. This summer it will welcome its eighth class.
“This is all part of the planned evolution of our medical school, and the Rio Grande Valley community should be proud of what we have already accomplished and what we will accomplish in the future,” Bailey said.
The LCME accredits medical education programs leading to the doctor of medicine degree in the United States and Canada. While the agency granted UTRGV School of Medicine initial accreditation when the school first opened in 2015, the new announcement culminated a seven-year review process reaffirming having the highest standards in training future physicians.
Michael Hocker, who in addition to dean of the college also serves as senior vice president of UT Health Rio Grande Valley, said the accreditation is a key moment to celebrate everyone’s hard work in achieving it.
“We are committed to serving the Rio Grande Valley through innovative medical education programs, advanced research and high-quality clinical services,” Hocker said.
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