The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA expects all of its students to demonstrate the following competencies prior to graduating with the M.D. degree. These objectives are not intended to supersede the objectives that are specific to individual courses. PATIENT CARE that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health
MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and cognate (e.g., epidemiological and social-behavioral) sciences and the application of this knowledge to patient care
PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING AND IMPROVEMENT that involves investigation and evaluation of their own patient care, appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence, and improvements in patient care
INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals
PROFESSIONALISM, as manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
SYSTEM-BASED PRACTICE, as manifested by actions that demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.
Revised and Approved by the MEC: June 2019
DGSOM Hippocratic Oath Ceremony
1. Passing All Coursework
Students must maintain a satisfactory level of performance in DGSOM coursework.
2. Annual recommendation for promotion by the Committee on Academic Standing, Progress & Promotion (CASPP)
3. Passing National Board Examinations
Students must take and pass USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS).
4. Completion Time
Students must successfully complete the designated four-year program of medical education. DGSOM does not offer a formal extended program. Recognizing that some students may need additional time, students may take no longer than six years of academic enrollment to complete the program. A Leave of Absence is not counted as enrollment time and a student is limited to two years approved LOA.
5. Recommendation of Degree
Upon successful completion of the curriculum of DGSOM, the student is recommended to the FEC for the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The final approval for graduation is made by the FEC and the Vice Dean for Education of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.