David Geffen School of Medicine Top Rankings

The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is one of the most prestigious and respected medical institutions in the United States. Established in 1951, the school has continuously upheld its commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. With a rich history of producing highly skilled physicians, pioneering medical research, and contributing significantly to advancements in health care, the Geffen School has solidified its position as a leader in the field of medicine.

Affiliated with the renowned Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, the David Geffen School of Medicine offers an array of graduate-level programs designed to foster the development of tomorrow's leaders in medicine. The school provides a range of degrees, including Pre-MD programs, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, combined MD programs (such as MD/PhD and MD/MBA), as well as post-graduate and continuing medical education opportunities. Through its programs, UCLA’s medical school provides students with a robust and comprehensive foundation in both clinical and basic medical sciences, preparing them to face the multifaceted challenges of modern health care.

One of the most notable aspects of the Geffen School of Medicine is its close association with UCLA Medical Center, one of the nation’s most highly regarded hospitals. For many years, UCLA Medical Center has been ranked as the "Best in the West" by U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of America's best hospitals, a testament to its excellence in patient care, specialized services, and clinical research. This close connection between the medical school and the hospital enhances the educational experience for students, providing them with access to world-class faculty, resources, and clinical opportunities.

The David Geffen School of Medicine has earned impressive rankings in various categories, which highlight its leadership and the high quality of education it provides. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school among the top 10 in the country in the category of Best Medical School for Primary Care, underscoring its commitment to preparing future physicians who are skilled in the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. Furthermore, the school’s research-oriented MD program is ranked 9th nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2009, further emphasizing its status as one of the nation's leading centers for medical research and training.

The school is also recognized for its specialty training programs, with particularly high rankings in geriatrics and women’s health. UCLA’s geriatrics program, ranked 4th nationally, reflects the school’s focus on providing cutting-edge education and clinical experiences in the care of aging populations. This focus on geriatrics is important as the nation’s population continues to age, and UCLA is at the forefront of preparing physicians who can meet the health care needs of the elderly. Similarly, the school’s women’s health program, ranked 8th in the nation, reflects its commitment to training physicians who are well-versed in the unique health challenges faced by women. These specialized programs, combined with the school’s overall excellence, contribute to UCLA’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier medical institutions.

Another key feature of the Geffen School is its commitment to providing students with diverse clinical and research opportunities. UCLA Medical Center, consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the United States, is home to a broad range of specialized departments and treatment centers. With specialized services in areas such as cancer, diabetes and endocrine disorders, digestive disorders, ear, nose and throat, and neurology and neurosurgery, the medical center provides students with access to cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and patient care experiences in a wide range of fields. This access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and resources enhances the educational experience for students and helps prepare them to become leaders in their chosen medical specialties.

In addition to the hospital’s general excellence, UCLA Medical Center has been recognized for its outstanding performance in 15 out of 16 specialty areas, further establishing its status as a top-tier medical institution. For instance, the cancer program, ranked 11th nationally, provides students with exposure to groundbreaking research and treatment in oncology, enabling them to contribute to the fight against cancer. The program in geriatrics, ranked 1st in the nation, offers students the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty and clinicians in the field of aging. UCLA’s success in these specialties is a direct result of its commitment to excellence in clinical care and its ability to attract leading experts in the field of medicine.

The Geffen School of Medicine also plays a central role in advancing medical research and innovation. Through its various research institutes and programs, the school is at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, ranging from basic biomedical research to clinical trials and translational medicine. The school’s faculty includes world-renowned researchers who are leading efforts to understand and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, from cancer to neurological disorders, and from cardiovascular disease to infectious diseases. Students at UCLA benefit from the opportunity to work alongside these leading researchers, gaining hands-on experience in the laboratory and contributing to research efforts that have the potential to change the course of medicine.

The school’s emphasis on research is reflected in its impressive funding levels, which support a wide range of scientific endeavors. With a focus on innovation and discovery, the David Geffen School of Medicine has become a hub for groundbreaking medical research that is advancing our understanding of disease and improving the effectiveness of treatments. The school’s strong ties to industry and its extensive network of research partners also contribute to its ability to attract significant research funding, making it a leader in scientific discovery and medical advancement.

In addition to its reputation in primary care and research, the David Geffen School of Medicine is also known for its diverse and inclusive student body. The school prides itself on fostering an environment of collaboration, respect, and inclusivity, where students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to contribute to the advancement of medicine. Through its commitment to diversity, the school ensures that its students are prepared to work in a variety of medical settings and serve a diverse patient population. By attracting students from diverse backgrounds and creating a culture of inclusivity, UCLA’s medical school is helping to shape the future of healthcare in ways that reflect the values of equity and social justice.

UCLA’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom and clinical setting. The school offers a variety of combined degree programs, such as the MD/PhD program and the MD/MBA program, which allow students to tailor their education to their specific career interests and goals. These programs are designed for students who seek to combine their medical education with advanced training in fields like biomedical research, public health, business, or policy. Through these programs, UCLA is producing physicians who are not only skilled in clinical care but also equipped to lead in research, policy-making, and health administration.

The David Geffen School of Medicine is a leading medical institution known for its high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to producing compassionate, skilled physicians who are prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. Through its innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and partnerships with UCLA Medical Center, the school continues to shape the future of medicine, while remaining dedicated to its mission of improving healthcare both locally and globally. With its top-tier rankings, highly respected faculty, and comprehensive programs, UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine remains one of the nation’s premier institutions for medical education and research.