The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) received full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the next eight years, the maximum period granted, following a review in January 2025.
“Accreditation is crucial for any medical school, and receiving the maximum accreditation period of eight years is a significant achievement for JABSOM,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “The deeply rooted culture of Hawaiʻi is woven into everything we teach, and this resounding recognition is just another confirmation that our unique approach to care works and cannot be replicated.”
LCME evaluation covered 12 standards and 93 elements, assessing curriculum quality, student support services, faculty credentials and clinical partnerships.
In preparation for LCME review, JABSOM conducted a self-study process, led by Associate Dean Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, which spanned three years and included more than 125 faculty, staff and partners. It involved submission of more than 1,000 pages of data and documentation, along with an anonymous independent student analysis completed by current medical students.
LCME praised JABSOM’s strong clinical partnerships, financial health, curricular improvements and mission-aligned teaching.
The next full review is scheduled for the 2032–33 academic year. JABSOM will continue evolving its curriculum to meet Hawaiʻi’s healthcare needs.
Read more about the LCME accreditation.
