Major Proposed Change to Standard 10 for Accreditation of

Medical Education Programs Leading to the M.D. Degree

As part of its dedication to continuous quality improvement of undergraduate medical education, the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) is pleased to announce that it will hold a public hearing (virtually) on August 18, 2025.

This public hearing will serve as a forum for discussion and collaboration on proposed substantial changes to Element 10.2.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing on August 18, 2025 (held virtually), or if you wish to supplement your in-person testimony with written feedback, you can submit your comments and suggestions through the CACMS website online feedback form. The online feedback submission period will be open from March 15, 2025, to September 15, 2025.  You can review the proposed changes any time during this period.

The CACMS Standards Subcommittee (SSC) reviews individual accreditation standards on a regular basis to consider changes (including the addition or removal of standards and their constituent elements) and revises CACMS Standards and Elements accordingly. SSC presents recommended changes to CACMS for review and discussion.

In accordance with the CACMS Rules of Procedure, there are two types of revisions.  The first are technical or editorial changes that are intended to improve clarity and have no resource implications to achieve compliance.  These are suggested by the CACMS SSC, subsequently discussed, and approved by the CACMS and then adopted.  The second are substantive changes that are either new elements or changes to elements that will have resource implications to achieve compliance.  These changes are recommended by the CACMS SSC, approved in principle by the CACMS, are sent to the sponsors (CMA, AFMC) for comment, and then presented for public comment on the CACMS website and at a public hearing. If there is substantial agreement on the changes at the public hearing, the proposed substantive changes are considered for final adoption at the next scheduled CACMS Committee meeting.  If the public commentary reflects substantial disagreement, the CACMS SSC will prepare a revision and the process starts again.  The CACMS retains the final decision for the content of any Element.   The CACMS is committed to ongoing review and renewal of the Standards and Elements and all changes are viewed as part of this quality improvement process.

Standard 10 is nearing the end of the first major revision cycle. Technical/editorial changes have been approved and will be integrated into the documents in the 2027-2028 academic year. These changes have been reviewed and contributions made by numerous interested parties and sponsors.

Proposed substantive changes for Element 10.2

To participate in the public consultation regarding proposed substantial changes to Element 10.2 please complete the online feedback form available on the CACMS website between March 15, 2025, and September 15, 2025.

• For the change proposed, we are requesting that you indicate whether you agree with the change or if you disagree. If you disagree, please provide a brief rationale for your position.

Your active participation is invaluable to the process of improving the accreditation of undergraduate medical education. We encourage you to share your insights, expertise, and recommendations to help shape the future of medical education in Canada.

Please contact the CACMS Secretariat at cacms@afmc.ca, if you have any questions regarding this public consultation process.