A legacy of discovery and inspiration

Decades of transformation and growth.

1951

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, 2024

$1.1 Billion
2023 Research Awards Including $525M from the NIH

#1
UCLA Health, in California and Los Angeles, 2024

#12
Most diverse medical school, U.S. News & World Report, 2024

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, 2016 - 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.

See timeline