CDU : What steps were taken to prepare for the visit ?
Dr . Prothrow-Stith : We were advanced to Candidate status with the LCME in October 2021 , which is when our
work to prepare for a survey visit began . Our effort to earn candidate status for preliminary accreditation with the LCME began over 5 years ago and , in February , when we received the dates for the visit , our preparation accelerated . Three months prior to the visit , we were asked to update our application and submit it , which we did for April 19 , 2022 . The steps to prepare for the survey visit included using the LCME template for a visit to determine who would participate in the actual panels meeting with the surveyors . We determined this by calling upon faculty and staff who helped to write the various sections of the original applications and began practicing with our consultants and each other . Actually , we called upon the whole CDU family because every aspect of our university will accommodate and serve a new medical degree program - IT , Financial Aid , Maintenance , Security , Research , Fundraising , Finance - everyone . We sent out 10 daily LCME digests via email and the Saturday before the visit , we hosted a virtual Cram Jam , reviewing some of the key information .
We made final selections for the 16 panels to meet with the LCME , continued to host practice sessions , and we hosted a dress rehearsal - a mock survey visit - using people who are surveyors for the LCME as surveyors for our mock . After the mock , we had three days ( Friday , Saturday and Sunday ) to make any corrections to our document and submit 30 days before the actual survey visit , which we did on Monday June 13 , 2022 . After that no more updates , corrections or new documents could be submitted , unless , if during the visit the surveyors asked us for documents .
CDU : What is the next step in the process ? When might we hear back ?
Dr . Prothrow-Stith : By early August we will receive initial recommendations . We do not get the decision until after the LCME meets . The next LCME meeting is in October and after that in February 2023 . We are hopeful that the surveyors can get the materials to the LCME for October , if not it will be February .
CDU : If approved for accreditation , how will the future CDU Medical Program help change the world for the better ?
Dr . Prothrow-Stith : This is a significant step towards fulfilling the CDU vision : Health Equity for all in a world without health disparities . In addition to better serving the community health needs and providing a muchneeded economic boost , we will be a national model for medical education serving Black and Brown underresourced communities .