A rigorous, transparent and evidence-based process to ensure quality medical education
Overview
After Stage 7, reaccreditation returns to Stage 2.
Detailed explanation of each stage
Stage 1
The medical school submits an application for accreditation and the required supporting information to GMDC.
To be eligible for accreditation by GMDC, a medical school must be registered with the Grenada National Accreditation Board (GNAB).
GMDC reviews the application to determine whether the institution and medical education program meet the applicable eligibility requirements and whether the application is sufficiently complete to proceed.
This stage applies only to new schools seeking accreditation. For schools seeking reaccreditation, the process begins at Stage 2: Submission of Institutional Self-Study and Data Collection Instrument (DCI).
Stage 2
The medical school undertakes a comprehensive self-evaluation against GMDC’s accreditation standards. This comprises GMDC’s Summary Self-Study Report and the Data Collection Instrument (DCI).
The process should involve appropriate participation by institutional leadership, faculty, students and other relevant stakeholders.
The resulting self-study, DCI and supporting documentation form a major part of the evidence considered during the accreditation review.
Stage 3
The Accreditation Secretariat circulates the submitted documentation to the appointed site visit team.
The site visitors review the materials to assess their completeness and identify areas requiring clarification or additional evidence.
Further information may be requested from the medical school before the site visit.
Stage 4
An appointed team of evaluators conducts a site visit to examine the medical education program in greater depth.
The site visit includes visits to the main campus(es) of the medical education program and a representative sample of its affiliated clinical training sites.
The evaluation includes review of documentation, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and examination of facilities, resources and educational arrangements, as applicable.
The site visit provides an opportunity to verify the information submitted by the school and assess the program against GMDC’s accreditation standards.
Stage 5
Following the site visit, the evaluation team prepares its findings based on the evidence reviewed.
Led by the Site Visit Chair, the team compiles the Comprehensive Accreditation Review Report (CARR), which forms part of the evidence considered by the Governing Body in making its accreditation decision.
Stage 6
The Governing Body receives and considers the Comprehensive Accreditation Review Report (CARR) and other relevant documentation arising from the accreditation review. Based on its evaluation of the evidence, the Governing Body makes an accreditation decision in accordance with GMDC’s established policies and procedures.
The medical school is formally notified of the decision, including its accreditation status and any citations, reporting requirements or other actions arising from the review.
Stage 7
Accreditation does not end with the Governing Body’s determination.
Throughout the accreditation period, GMDC monitors the continued compliance and performance of the medical education program. Monitoring includes:
At the appropriate point in the accreditation cycle, the medical education program undergoes reaccreditation, beginning again at Stage 2.
For detailed information on GMDC’s accreditation requirements, procedures and decision-making processes, consult the official Accreditation Procedures document.