History and Awards
Excellence in practice
A legacy of discovery and inspiration
Decades of transformation and growth.
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.
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
