SIU School of Medicine received the distinguished status “Accreditation with Commendation” from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME ®) as a provider of continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. The Office of Continuing Professional Development was commended for demonstrating that its program “is a learning organization and a change agent for the physicians and patients you serve.” The ACCME noted that SIU SOM demonstrates engagement with the environment in support of physician learning and change that is part of a system for quality improvement.

Accreditation in the ACCME System seeks to assure the medical community and the public that SIU Medicine delivers education that is relevant to clinicians’ needs, evidence-based, evaluated for its effectiveness, and independent of commercial influence.

The ACCME System employs a rigorous process for evaluating institutions' CME programs according to standards that reflect the values of the educator community and aim to accelerate learning, inspire change, and champion improvement in healthcare. Through participation in accredited CME, clinicians and teams drive improvement in their practice and optimize the care, health, and wellness of their patients.

Institutions receiving commendation must meet numerous criteria from five categories. Institutions must promote team-based education, address public health priorities, enhance skills, demonstrate educational leadership and achieve outcomes. According to ACCME, only about 40 percent of providers receive commendation.

SIU School of Medicine is accredited through November 2023. The CPD program, led by Laura Worrall, Director and Dr. Stacy Sattovia, Medical Director, has been accredited since 1982.