1. The Policies and Processes of the WFME Recognition Program
Marta van Zanten, PhD Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)

2. WFME Recognition Policies
Policies and Procedures for Recognition of an Accrediting Agency
Updated May 2016
Types of agencies eligible
governmental entities or inter-governmental entities
entities that are authorised or recognised by the relevant national government (Ministry of Health / Ministry of Education)
entities that are authorised or recognised by an appropriate professional or scientific association

3. WFME Recognition Process
Accrediting agency contacts WFME to confirm eligibility
2. Accrediting agency completes the Application for Recognition
“Self-study”
Questions parallel the Recognition Criteria
Correspondence with WFME to ensure Application is complete
Ad-hoc WFME Recognition Team appointed
5. Timeline for site visit(s) established

4. WFME Recognition Process
6. WFME Recognition Team observes accrediting agency
conducting a site visit of one medical school
meeting to make accreditation decision
WFME Recognition Team creates
Recognition Report describing the accrediting agency’s compliance with the Recognition Criteria
Letter with quality improvement recommendations
8. Accrediting agency may respond to Recognition Report to correct any factual errors

5. WFME Recognition Process
WFME Recognition Committee discusses the final Recognition Report and makes a decision on recognition of the accrediting agency
10. Recognition decision is disseminated on the WFME website
11. Accrediting agency completes an evaluation of the WFME recognition process
12. Recognized agencies complete a status report every other year

6. WFME Recognition Process
Process takes 6 months - 1 year
Recognition term is usually 10 years
Description of fees is on the WFME website
Contact WFME for further information and to discuss special circumstances

7. Criteria for Recognition of an Accrediting Agency
Valid scope of authority
Existence and availability of standards
Documented and implemented accreditation process and procedures
Appropriate qualifications and training of individuals
Documented and implemented process for accreditation decisions
Appropriate resources
Availability and dissemination of information

8. WFME Recognized Agencies
CAAM-HP (Regional Caribbean)
TEPDAD (Turkey)
LCME/CACMS (United States and Canada)
Two pending