California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) School of Medicine today announced that the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) awarded Provisional Accreditation to the university's Doctor of Medicine program. This is a milestone achievement in the path to full accreditation and is the culmination of years of dedication and the success of talented students, faculty, and leadership. LCME Accreditation is a multi-step process ensuring rigorous and complete review of medical schools in the United States. Provisional Accreditation is the last step before Full Accreditation status can be achieved. CUSM accepted its first students in 2018 and has graduated two MD classes to date, with the third class graduating in May.
“This is a recognition of the work of our entire community – students, faculty and administration – to establish a school of medicine that inspires, motivates, and empowers students to become excellent and caring physicians,” said Dr. Paul Lyons, CUSM President and Dean. “Our mission is centered around our students and preparing them to serve patients with knowledge, compassion, and empathy.”
CUSM is in the heart of California’s Inland Empire situated approximately 50 miles east of Los Angeles. The mission of CUSM is to provide exceptional medical education and to address healthcare equity within our local communities and underserved areas. Students are among the best and brightest in the nation and have a unique mission to service in underserved areas. CUSM has a 100 percent residency match for both graduating classes, with nearly 70 percent of students earning residencies within the Inland Empire and California.
“CUSM addresses a community and national need to ensure equity in medical education and the availability of competent and compassionate doctors within our communities,” said Dr. Prem Reddy, Chair of CUSM Board of Trustees and founder of Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation. “This milestone achievement is part of a dream come true. The commitment of all partners, the board, and the staff at CUSM has been unwavering and has resulted in this affirmation of our mission.”
Prime Healthcare Foundation has contributed $80 million to establish and support CUSM.
CUSM accepts 130 new MD students each year. Additionally, a cohort of 60 students are selected each year for the 10-month Master of Biomedical Sciences degree.