Excellence in practice

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.

#1

UCLA, Nationally Ranked Public University, 2022

$559M

DGSOM, National Institutes of Health Research Funding, 2022

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#5

UCLA Health, Nationally Ranked Health System, 2022

#13

Most diverse medical school, U.S. News & World Report, 2023

“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.”

Kelsey Martin, MD, PhD, Dean from 2015 - 2021

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
Sherman Mellinkoff, MD, 1962 - 1986
Kenneth I. Shine, MD, 1986 - 1992
Gerald S. Levey, MD, 1994 - 2010
Eugene Washington, MD, MPH, 2010 - 2015
Kelsey Martin, MD, PhD, 2015 - 2021
Steven Dubinett, MD, 2021

Group of one of the first medical school classes at UCLA

Defining Moments

What started in a few spare rooms ascended to become the youngest top medical school in the nation.

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