Accreditation is a process of review that allows ambulatory care organizations to demonstrate their ability to meet regulatory requirements and standards established by a recognized accreditation organization such as The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission's accreditation process concentrates on operational systems critical to the safety and quality of patient care. Healthcare leaders play a key role in establishing the processes, policies, and programs that foster a culture of safety and patient care excellence. Physicians, as leaders of healthcare teams, need to understand and appreciate Joint Commission standards to ensure that patient care and services are provided in a safe manner.

This elective allows the student to design their own curriculum to support their personal interests related to accreditation and healthcare leadership. The student will work closely with the course director to derive their program of study, identify specific objectives, attend relevant WMed meetings, and pre-determine the summative tasks to be accomplished to fulfull the objectives of the elective. In addition, readings related to ambulatory care accreditation will be assigned. The student will attend weekly Grand Rounds and Internal Medicine block conference, after speaking with the preceptor.