#United States #Pasadena #Kaiser Permanente #KPSOM #WSCUC

Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine Receives Initial Accreditation

The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM), located in Pasadena, California, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing initial accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This prestigious recognition came after a thorough institutional review process conducted under the WSCUC 2013 Standards of Accreditation.

The accreditation process involved an extensive evaluation of KPSOM's academic quality, educational effectiveness, institutional planning, and resources. WSCUC emphasized its assessment on how well the school is meeting its educational objectives, with a particular focus on student learning outcomes and the institution's commitment to continual improvement.

Dr. John L. Dalrymple, the Dean and CEO of KPSOM, expressed immense pride in this accomplishment, stating, "Achieving initial accreditation from the Commission is a tremendous milestone for our school. It not only marks the culmination of immense effort from our community but also reflects years of dedication to realizing the vision of Kaiser Permanente leaders from over a decade ago." He also appreciated the constructive feedback provided by the Commission, which illuminated pathways for continuous institutional evolution.

WSCUC conferred commendations on KPSOM for several strengths:

• - Commitment to Mission: The school was praised for its exemplary alignment with the KPSOM mission, vision, and values across all leadership levels, faculty, staff, and students.
• - Innovative Curriculum: KPSOM has demonstrated a strong ongoing commitment to an innovative curriculum that prioritizes equity, service-learning experiences, scholarly projects, and a focus on population health. This passion was evident across all levels of the institution.
• - Equity and Inclusion: The Commission recognized KPSOM’s continuous initiatives aimed at equity, inclusion, and diversity being entrenched in its organizational fabric, affecting strategic planning, admissions, curriculum delivery, and program evaluations.
• - Financial Strength: The school benefits from robust financial support, particularly from Kaiser Foundation Hospital (KFH), allowing it to advance its mission including student and faculty support.
• - Continuous Quality Improvement: KPSOM's commitment to quality improvement was highlighted due to its systematic approach utilizing student learning assessments aimed at optimizing student success.
• - Student Success: The school has achieved impressive outcomes in student success, evidenced by strong performances on national licensing examinations and match rates for residencies.

This initial accreditation is effective retroactively to May 13, 2024, and will remain valid for a period of six years, with the next reaffirmation review scheduled for 2030.

About the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is dedicated to delivering an outstanding and forward-thinking medical education. The school’s curriculum focuses on three primary pillars: Biomedical Science, Clinical Science, and Health Systems Science. It aims to foster a broad understanding of healthcare effectiveness and advocates for better health practices across various community settings. KPSOM integrates innovative educational practices ensuring that students acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary for delivering high-quality patient care while striving for systemic healthcare transformation to benefit all members of society. For more detailed information about the approach and programs at KPSOM, visit KPSOM’s website.