University of California--Los Angeles (Geffen)

The University of California—Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine stresses lifelong learning for its medical students. The medical school curriculum is divided into three phases: Human Biology and Disease, Core Clinical Clerkship, and 4th Year Colleges.

Medical students can also earn a combined degree, such as a M.D./Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program, an M.D./M.B.A. with the UCLA Anderson School of Management, or an M.D.-Oral Surgery Residency. There are also a few joint degree programs, offered in conjunction with other institutions, including the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science/UCLA Medical Education Program, designed for students who want to work in disadvantaged rural and urban communities.

The School of Medicine is affiliated with the top-ranked hospital Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, as well as other hospitals including the Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center.

Med students take a break from their coursework for several annual events, including a talent show, banquets for second and fourth year students, and a senior show. Graduate students can live in the UCLA-owned University Apartments or can get assistance finding housing throughout Los Angeles through the UCLA Community Housing Office.

Members of the UCLA Medical Alumni Association coordinate Books Without Borders, a project that sends medical textbooks and journals to U.S. military physicians and nurses stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.