For Class of 2030, first days of medical school bring excitement and connection

[Pictured: Members of the Class of 2030 gather outside Geffen Hall / Photo courtesy of UCLA Health staff]

Earlier this month, 175 incoming first-year medical students officially began their journey at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. This year’s class has students from 24 states and five countries, and for the Class of 2030, this is a milestone year. Not only do they start their medical school journey, but the medical school also celebrates its 75th anniversary.

One of the first courses the first-year students take at UCLA’s medical school is Base Camp, with Day One also marking their first day of medical school. An onboarding and orientation program, Base Camp is designed to introduce first-year students to their classmates as well as medical school. This includes the school’s leadership, faculty, staff and resources. 

For the next three weeks, the first-year students will take part in approximately 50 sessions and experiences as part of Base Camp. Some session topics include well-being in medical school, leadership development, patient interviewing and approaches to clinical reasoning. One experience, for example, entails visiting the Hammer Museum at UCLA. There, first-year students are invited to reflect on the exhibitions and their experiences. 

Earlier this week, the first-year students partook in one of their first sessions – “Introduction to the Deans.” Kathleen Brown, MD, Interim Vice Dean for Education for the David Geffen School of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence, opened Base Camp introducing the leadership team dedicated to supporting students throughout their medical school journey.

Students were welcomed by leaders from numerous offices, programs, institutes, centers and facilities, from student affairs to faculty development, mentorship and recognition.

The goal was to familiarize the first-year students with each leader’s role, responsibilities, and the ways in which that leader can support them throughout their journey at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The room was filled with excitement and energy, especially as each leader reflected on their own medical school journey. 

Steven Dubinett, MD, dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine, shared, “I didn’t have it all figured out by any means. I didn’t know what specialty I wanted to be in. I made that decision – and undecided it – about six different times in the four years.”

He then encouraged the students “to remain curious and remain open” and reminded them that they are central to the medical school’s mission and vision.

“We don’t have a school without the students,” added Dr. Dubinett. 

John C. Mazziotta, MD, PhD, who serves as the senior vice chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences and CEO of UCLA Health, also congratulated the students and challenged them to become leaders – leaders in academia, research, practice or in their communities. 

“You’re going to have four years of biochemistry and physiology and pathology and all the rest of it,” said Dr. Mazziotta. “But remember why you decided to be here and choose this profession.”

Following “Introduction to the Deans,” the first-year students learned more about Base Camp and were introduced to resources, like the Curricular Affairs Office and the Student Affairs Office. 

Before Base Camp concludes, the first-year students will be welcomed into the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony. During this annual event, the first-year medical students recite the UCLA Medical Oath and receive their first white coats as future physicians.