The Medical Board of California recognizes two medical schools in Los Angeles County: the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Both universities provide a wide range of medical programs and degrees, including doctor of medicine (M.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) degrees. In addition to these medical schools, the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science operates a small medical school in partnership with UCLA and is accredited through the UCLA School of Medicine.
Accepting its first students in 1951, the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is an international leader in research, medical education and patient care. Located on campus is the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, one of the best hospitals in the country. In 2010, the School of Medicine was ranked 11th for research and 14th for primary care out of 146 medical schools in the country by "U.S. News & World Report." The college offers doctor of medicine (M.D.), doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) and master of science (M.S.) degree programs, in addition to combined degree programs and postgraduate programs.
The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California was founded in 1885 and is the oldest medical school in Southern California. It is a major center for medical research, education and patient care adjacent to the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, which is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country. Keck School is also home to a number of research institutes, including the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at USC, the USC Cardiovascular Thoracic Institute, the USC Institute for Global Health, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute. In 2010, Keck School of Medicine was ranked 34th in research out of 146 medical schools by U.S. News & World Report.
The Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School was incorporated in 1966 as a private, nonprofit educational institution in response to the 1965 Watts Rebellion, which was in part caused by poor health and access to healthcare. Today the medical school admits approximately 24 students each year into its M.D. program, which is delivered in partnership with UCLA. The medical school specializes in urban health and medicine, allowing students to learn in urban and under-serviced areas. It also focuses on HIV/AIDS education, research and services. The campus is located in Watts, approximately 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.