The PHMI Medical School Review is a comprehensive internal and external review of the academic, teaching, and organizational resources at partnering medical schools. Executed by a task force of Harvard Medical School educators who are specialists in contemporary medical education, the review includes a Self-Appraisal; Medical Education and Institutional Review; and Report of the External Review Committee and Strategic Development Plan. This phased approach is designed to address specific areas of governance, educational policies, curriculum, faculty issues, student affairs, facilities and equipment, educational resources, and finances. The outcome is a step-by-step process that reviews the specific environment, establishes standards and guideposts for medical education based on a unified strategy and vision, measures institutional success in meeting those standards, and provides recommendations for improvement that support innovation and infrastructure development appropriate for local conditions.