Substantive Change Proposed to Standard 2
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 the launch of an online publication consultation from February 10, 2026 to August 10, 2026. In addition, it will hold a public hearing on April 18, 2026, from 12:00-1:30pm at the International Conference on Academic Medicine (ICAM) at the Rogers Centre (Level 2, Room 210) in Ottawa.
This public hearing will serve as a forum for discussion and collaboration on proposed substantive changes to Element 2.2 within Standard 2.
If you wish to present in person comments at the public hearing, contact cacms@afmc.ca. If you are unable to attend the public hearing on April 18, 2026, or if you wish to supplement your in-person testimony with written feedback, you can submit your comments and suggestions through the online feedback form. The online feedback submission period will be open from February 10, 2026, to August 10, 2026. You can review the proposed changes any time during this period.
Standard 2 is nearing the end of a major revision cycle. Technical/editorial changes have been approved and will be integrated into the documents for the 2028-2029 academic year. These changes reflect feedback received from numerous interested parties and sponsors.
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 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 SSC, approved in principle by the CACMS, are sent to the sponsors (CMA, AFMC) for comment, and 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 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.
Proposed substantive changes for Element 2.2
CURRENT VERSION (2027-28)
2.2 DEAN’S QUALIFICATIONS
The dean of a medical school is qualified by education, training, and experience to provide effective leadership in medical education, scholarly activity, patient care, and other missions of the medical school.
2.2 QUALIFICATIONS DU DOYEN
Le doyen d’une faculté de médecine possède par sa scolarité, sa formation et son expérience les qualifications requises pour faire preuve d’un leadership efficace en ce qui a trait à la formation médicale, aux activités d’érudition, aux soins aux patients et aux autres missions de la faculté de médecine.
PROPOSED VERSION (2028-29)
2.2 SELECTION OF THE DEAN
The selection of the dean of a medical school included an assessment of the candidate’s education, training and experience in concordance with the university’s leadership search procedure and in alignment with the missions of the medical school.
2.2 SÉLECTION DU DOYEN OU DE LA DOYENNE
La sélection du doyen ou de la doyenne d’une faculté de médecine repose sur une évaluation de la formation et de l’expérience du candidat ou de la candidate en accord avec la procédure de recrutement des hauts dirigeants de l’université et les missions de la faculté de médecine.
To participate in the public consultation regarding proposed substantive changes to Element 2.2 please complete the online feedback form available between February 10, 2026, and August 10, 2026.
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.
