Los Angeles is a haven for international students, located in one of the most liberal and prominent states in America. It has continuously attracted students from around the world to study there because of its wide range of degree programs. Moreover, the city has some of the best medical schools in the U.S., and its students have access to some of the best facilities in the world. Students who get placements at the schools listed are guaranteed to receive a degree that is nationally and internationally sought-after.
In this article, we will discuss which medical schools provide top-quality education in Los Angeles and the programs they offer for aspiring medical students. Read below to learn more!
Top Medical Schools in Los Angeles
1. University of California, Los Angeles
The David Geffen School of Medicine is based at the University of California, Los Angeles, and is one of the nation’s most elite medical schools. The school prides itself on preparing students for careers in clinical practice, teaching, research, and public service. It is at the forefront of academic medicine and is ranked 10th in the U.S. for primary care in 2023. DGSM has over 200 full-time faculty members, over 750 medical students, and almost 400 Ph.D. candidates.
This medical school in Los Angeles can provide students with a unique opportunity for real-world experience. The students can volunteer with the homeless and mobile clinic projects through the school’s sister companies, which provide free healthcare. UCLA also volunteers at the annual Care Harbor Clinic. Here, students provide solutions to small issues that have the potential to become larger epidemics. This invaluable experience gives students a deep look into providing vital healthcare to the underprivileged.
There are three main degree programs offered at DGSM. The first option is the Medical Scientist Training Program, which provides training in biomedical sciences and the time to complete both degrees in eight years. The eight years comprise two years of medical school, four years of PhD graduate training, and the final two years of medical school.
The other program on offer is UCLA/PRIME. It’s a five-year dual degree program based on medical education. It is specifically directed toward developing leaders in medicine, addressing medical policy and research in healthcare for the underserved. This program leads to an M.D. and master’s to complete it. The class is always minimal and comprises a maximum of 18 students at a time.
The final program is the UCLA/Charles R. Drew Medical Education Program. This course provides community engagement and gives students the training necessary to become physician leaders. It also inspires the students to commit to transforming the health of diverse and underserved communities. The program entails matriculating with DGSM and completing two years of coursework at the UCLA campus.
2. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California‘s Keck School of Medicine is another leader in training patient care and biomedical research leaders. Providing advanced healthcare to the people of Southern California, it has raised its profile as a premier medical school. It’s well-funded, receiving approximately $300 million per year. The school’s choices regarding what programs it can offer students are incredibly diverse.
Some leading programs are related to public health, biochemistry and molecular medicine, family medicine, addiction science, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. It would be an excellent choice of school in Los Angeles. The school can provide students with almost any variety of medical degrees, and its students have access to some of the world’s leading medical technology.
The faculty at USC serves over one million patients yearly and has extensive knowledge provided to the ISC Medical Centre, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the Keck Hospital of USC, the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and USC Verdugo Hills. The exceptional knowledge of the faculty members here is a vital factor when considering which school to attend for medical education.
Keck was one of the first medical schools to adopt the Introduction to Clinical Medicine courses for first-year students. It gave the students a direct patient care experience from the beginning of their education. The school is also adjacent to the USC Medical Centre, one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country.
3. Charles R. Drew University
The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was named after a pioneering African-American physician who overcame extreme odds and racism to provide medical care. In the early to mid-century, he produced vital seminal work on blood banking and transfusion and was a distinguished surgeon. The school bases its values on the work and integrity of Charles R. Drew. It also encourages research, social justice, international exposure, experiential education, and essential health policy.
Students gain a strong understanding of health disparities and social justice in the healthcare system through their work at this medical school in Los Angeles. The university has graduated nearly 600 physicians, over 1,000 physician assistants, and health professionals. Its nursing school has also graduated more than 1,000 nursing professionals. It is important to note that over 70% of the graduates are from underrepresented backgrounds, and the medical school strongly emphasizes this.
CDU offers many degree programs through various colleges, including the College of Medicine, Science and Health, and the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing. However, the school’s main focuses are the education, training, and treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic illnesses, and HIV/AIDS.
Students have access to first-rate education and training options at medical institutions in Los Angeles, such as USC‘s Keck School of Medicine and UCLA‘s David Geffen School of Medicine, which ranks well nationwide for primary care and research. Not only that, but the state is also an ideal place for international students because of its diverse community.
We hope this article on the best medical schools in Los Angeles was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out our Study in the USA Page and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA!
