VCOM is pleased to announce that it has been awarded provisional accreditation for a two-year term as a provider of continuing medical education (CME) by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), a prestigious recognition that underscores our dedication to providing high-quality continuing medical education to physicians.
Provisional accreditation is the first level of accreditation and demonstrates compliance with the core accreditation criteria, standards for integrity and independence, as well as applicable policies. Accreditation by the ACCME assures the medical community and the public that VCOM delivers education that is relevant to clinicians’ needs, is evidence-based, has been evaluated for its effectiveness and is independent of commercial influence.
ACCME accreditation signifies that an organization meets rigorous standards for delivering education that enhances healthcare professionals' competence and performance.
This achievement is a testament to VCOM's ongoing commitment to excellence in medical education and patient care. "We are incredibly proud to have achieved ACCME accreditation," said Deborah West, EdD, provost at VCOM. "This accreditation reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team to provide healthcare professionals with educational activities that are relevant, effective, and aligned with the latest advancements in medicine."
The accreditation process involves an extensive review of VCOM's CME programs, policies and procedures to ensure they meet ACCME's stringent criteria. This includes demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, engaging in regular self-assessment and adhering to ethical standards. "Our journey towards ACCME accreditation has been a rigorous but rewarding process," Dr. West added. "It has enabled us to strengthen our educational offerings and ensure they meet the evolving needs of physicians in delivering optimal patient care."
The addition of ACCME accreditation to VCOM’s existing CME accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents a milestone in advancing high-quality continuing medical education for both osteopathic and allopathic physicians. This dual accreditation ensures both allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians are equipped with the latest advancements and best practices, enabling them to deliver optimal care while staying current with evolving medical knowledge.
With this enhanced accreditation status, VCOM is now uniquely positioned to support all physicians in maintaining and enhancing their skills. Additionally, VCOM is excited to extend AOA and ACCME accreditation to our core hospital partners, marking a significant expansion of our commitment to continuing medical education and supporting physicians within our network. This initiative fosters a collaborative environment that promotes continuous learning, excellence in patient care, and professional development, reflecting our dedication to advancing healthcare education and strengthening partnerships across the medical community.
Moving forward, VCOM remains committed to upholding the standards set by the AOA and ACCME and continuing to innovate in continuing medical education. We look forward to expanding our educational initiatives and making a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery.