University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, in partnership with Arizona State University has received accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

The Phoenix campus's accreditation comes just four months before the initial 24 first-year medical students begin classes in July. The timing is characteristic of the compressed schedule in which the project came together.

"This was not a given," said UA College of Medicine Dean Keith Joiner in a speech.

"The LCME had some doubts as to whether we'd be able to pull this off within three years. It's a remarkable accomplishment."

The announcement coincided with Dr. Edward Shortliffe's first day on as dean of the UA medical school's Phoenix campus.

Shortliffe and his wife, Vilma Patel, were recruited from Columbia University as a joint package. Patel will serve as professor and interim chair for ASU's new School of Computing and Informatics.

Shortliffe, quoted in Business Journal, said he was looking forward to collaborating with Arizona State University.

When fully developed, the downtown Phoenix campus is expected to graduate 150 physicians each year.

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For more information:

"Phoenix medical campus receives accreditation," Business Journal, 03/12/2007

"UA College of Medicine-Phoenix, in Partnership with ASU, receives accreditation," UA press release, 03/12/2007