David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA: A Comprehensive Overview of Faculty and History

Introduction

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, formerly known as the UCLA School of Medicine (1951-2002), stands as a leading institution in medical education and research. Affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, it has grown from its humble beginnings to become one of the most respected medical schools in the United States. This article delves into the history of the school, its faculty size, key milestones, and its impact on the medical field.

Historical Context and Establishment

The need for a second public medical school in California became apparent by the 1940s. The UCSF School of Medicine was the only public medical school in California, which was reasonable when most of California's population lived in Northern California and Southern California was a lightly populated desert. However, Los Angeles had overtaken San Francisco to become the leading metropolis on the West Coast of the United States.

In 1947, Stafford L. Warren was appointed as the first dean, setting the stage for the establishment of the UCLA School of Medicine. Warren, who had served on the Manhattan Project, selected his core faculty from his former associates at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Andrew Dowdy became the first professor of radiology, John Lawrence the first professor of medicine, and Charles Carpenter the first professor of infectious diseases.

The construction of the medical center and the School of Medicine commenced in 1949, and the first charter class, comprising 26 men and 2 women, began their studies in 1951. Initially, there were 15 faculty members, which increased to 43 by 1955 when the charter class graduated. The first classes were conducted in the reception lounge of the old Religious Conference Building on Le Conte Avenue.

Growth and Expansion

Under the leadership of Sherman Mellinkoff, who succeeded Stafford Warren as dean in 1962 and served for 24 years, the UCLA School of Medicine experienced significant growth. The UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, the UCLA Brain Research Institute, and the Marion Davies Children's Center were founded during his tenure. Additionally, the Jules Stein Eye Institute and the Reed Neurological Research Center were established. By the end of the decade, UCLA had doubled the size of the medical school and the hospital. The UCLA School of Dentistry, School of Public Health, and School of Nursing were formed as well. A partnership was formed with the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

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The school continued its growth in the 1970s, becoming affiliated with VA facilities as well as Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. In 1974, the school co-founded the Biomedical Sciences Program with UC Riverside, which offers 24 students each year the opportunity to earn both the B.S. and M.D. degrees. In 1981, the Doris and Louis Factor Health Sciences Building, housing the School of Nursing and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, was dedicated.

Leadership and Modern Developments

Kenneth I. Shine succeeded Sherman Mellinkoff as dean in 1986. In 1992, Shine left UCLA to become President of the Institute of Medicine in Washington, D.C. Gerald S. Levey was then appointed provost of medical sciences and dean of the medical school in 1994. Levey oversaw expansion of interdisciplinary research and the establishment of a Department of Human Genetics. The Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, as well as the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, were constructed.

Effective February 2010, A. Eugene Washington was appointed Dean of the UCLA School of Medicine and Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences at UCLA. Washington, a clinician, academician, researcher, and university administrator, was recruited from UCSF, where he served as Vice-Chancellor and Provost, as well as Professor of gynecology, epidemiology, and health policy.

UCLA constructed the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center across the street from the original facility to comply with the California earthquake law. The 1,050,000-square-foot (98,000 m2) hospital is named after the late President of the United States and Governor of California, Ronald Reagan. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei.

Faculty Size and Composition

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA boasts a large and diverse faculty. The school has more than 2,000 full-time faculty members, including recipients of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Medal of Science.

The program faculty consists of 11 physicians and no non-physicians. All 11 are full-time paid faculty. 45.5% of the full-time paid physician faculty are female. The ratio of full-time equivalent paid faculty to positions is 3.7 to 1.

Academic Programs and Enrollment

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA offers a wide range of academic programs. Nearly 5,800 candidates apply each year for one of 121 available spaces in the first-year class. Total enrollment numbers some 750 students and approximately 400 Ph.D. candidates. More than 1,400 residents and fellows pursue advanced training at UCLA and its affiliated hospitals.

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA accepts applications for summer academic enrichment programs. These programs include the Premedical/Predental Enrichment Program (PREP), Summer Medical Dental Education Program (SMDEP), and the Re-Application Post baccalaureate Program (RAP).

The school co-founded the Biomedical Sciences Program with UC Riverside, which offers 24 students each year the opportunity to earn both the B.S. and M.D.

Rankings and Recognition

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA consistently receives high rankings from prominent organizations. The school is the youngest medical school to be ranked among the top in the nation.

In addition to its overall ranking, the Geffen School of Medicine also received high marks in a number of specialty training programs, ranking third in geriatrics, sixth in AIDS, eighth in drug and alcohol abuse programs, and ninth in women's health.

News & World Report ranked medical schools based on two types of data: peer experts' opinions about program quality and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research, and students. The statistical indicators included both the qualities that students and faculty bring to the educational experience and graduates' achievements linked to their degrees.

Affiliated Hospitals and Facilities

The David Geffen School of Medicine is affiliated with several hospitals and facilities, enhancing its clinical training and research capabilities. The David Geffen School of Medicine is affiliated with the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, ranked the best hospital in the western United States for 19 consecutive years and No. News & World Report. The I.M. Pei-designed medical center features 520 spacious private rooms for patients and the most advanced medical technology in the world. The school also has affiliations with VA facilities and Olive View-UCLA Medical Center.

Campus and Location

UCLA’s main campus is located on 419 acres in the Westwood community of Los Angeles. As part of UCLA, the David Geffen School of Medicine benefits from the resources and environment of a top-tier university.

Notable Faculty

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has been home to many notable faculty members who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Some of these include:

Arie S. Belldegrun
Ronald P. Reagan
Baljit S. Khakh
Linda Liau
W. Thomas Boyce
Bengt O. Muthén
Michael E. Jung
Leonard H. Rome
Marc A. Suchard
Alfredo Sadun
Flora L. Vanier
Jeffrey L. Saver
Alcino J. Silva
Maie St. John
Jeffery H. Miller

Admissions and Application Information

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is highly competitive, with a large number of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. The school considers various factors in its admissions process, including academic achievements, MCAT scores, research experience, and personal qualities.

The program at the David Geffen School of Medicine requires previous GME, specifically 3 years. The latest date for applications for 2026-2027 is 9/15/2025, with interviews conducted from 10/15/2025 to 11/6/2025. For the 2027-2028 cycle, the earliest application date is 7/1/2026, with a latest date of 9/15/2026, and interviews from 10/14/2026 to 11/12/2026. Applicant interviews are conducted virtually.

Work Schedule and Benefits

The program offers a structured work schedule with an average of 50 hours per week on duty during the first year, including patient care, all call, night float, research, and conferences. The maximum consecutive hours on duty during the first year, excluding beeper call, is 16. On average, there are 1.5 24-hour off-duty periods per week during the first year. The program allows moonlighting beyond the GY1 year, and there is no night float system.

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