History and Awards
A legacy of discovery and inspiration
Decades of transformation and growth.
Since our doors first opened on September 20, 1951, the passion and collaboration of our students, staff, faculty, and trainees have made us a hub of progress, discovery, and inspiration. Our talented community has produced world leaders in health and science, advanced equity in healthcare and health education, discovered life-changing treatments and diagnostic tests for devastating conditions, and transformed health for the benefit of all in countless other ways.
UCLA, Nationally Ranked Public University, 2021
UCLA Health, Nationally Ranked Health System, 2021
DGSOM, National Institutes of Health Research Funding, 2022
Most diverse medical school, U.S. News & World Report, 2022
“Our community has always and will always open the doors of science and medicine for all, develop cures for each and every individual, and pursue the transformations necessary to heal humankind.”
A history of distinguished deans
In just 70 years—within the lifetimes of many of its original architects—the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has joined the ranks of the nation's elite medical schools. Our leaders have set ambitious courses for the school throughout that time, shepherding the trailblazing spirit UCLA is known for.
- Stafford L. Warren, MD, 1947 - 1962
- Eugene Washington, MD, MPH, 2010 - 2015
- Sherman Mellinkoff, MD, 1962 - 1986
- Kelsey Martin, MD, PhD, 2015 - 2021
- Kenneth I. Shine, MD, 1986 - 1992
- Steven Dubinett, MD, 2021
- Gerald S. Levey, MD, 1994 - 2010
What started in a few spare rooms ascended to become the youngest top medical school in the nation.
See timeline