Apr 30, 1999
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Program
Overview
The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Program in Psychiatry offers a comprehensive and dynamic training experience for aspiring psychiatrists. The residency program is dedicated to providing an innovative education anchored in clinical practice, research, and personal growth, designed to prepare residents for the complexities of modern psychiatric care.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum integrates core psychiatry training with opportunities to explore various subspecialties. Residents engage in rotations that cover essential areas including adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and substance abuse. The structure of the program emphasizes both inpatient and outpatient experiences, offering a rich variety of clinical settings that enhance skills and knowledge.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations take place at diverse training sites, providing residents with a multi-faceted perspective on psychiatric care. Major sites include:
- UCLA Medical Center: Known for its cutting-edge facilities and diverse patient population, this site offers extensive opportunities for outpatient and inpatient care.
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: A key rotation site that allows residents to work with veterans, offering unique insights into PTSD, trauma-informed care, and rehabilitation.
- Community Clinics: Residents gain experience in community mental health settings, addressing the social and cultural factors that influence patient care.
Residents have the chance to work with expert faculty who are leaders in the field, fostering an environment of mentorship and collaboration. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork, with residents often collaborating with psychologists, social workers, and other health professionals to create holistic care plans.
Research Opportunities
Research is a significant component of the residency program. The program encourages residents to participate in research projects, ranging from clinical trials to community-based studies. This engagement not only enriches the residency experience but also contributes to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge and practice. Opportunities are available to publish findings and present at conferences, enhancing professional development.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The program boasts several distinctive features, including:
- Cultural Competency Training: A focus on cultural humility and competency within psychiatric practice, preparing residents to treat a diverse patient population effectively.
- Wellness and Resilience Development: Initiatives aimed at resident wellness, aimed at promoting a supportive environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
- Community Engagement: Through various outreach programs, residents actively participate in community health initiatives, enhancing the connection between psychiatry and public health.
Competitiveness and Selectivity
The program is highly competitive, seeking candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance, clinical acumen, and a commitment to mental health advocacy. While it maintains a rigorous selection process, it is also known for being supportive of diverse training backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates.
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria for consideration:
- The program welcomes candidates who have completed a preliminary year in any ACGME-accredited program.
- There are no maximum failed STEP exams specified, emphasizing a holistic review process.
- Candidates must submit all application materials through the ERAS system.
Visa Support
The program provides visa support and can sponsor H-1B and J-1 visa types for qualified international applicants. This enables a diverse pool of candidates, enriching the learning environment.
Resident Committees and Alumni Network
Residents are encouraged to participate actively in various committees that address wellness, diversity, innovation, and community outreach, contributing to a sense of ownership and camaraderie within the program. The alumni network is robust and serves as a resource for career guidance and fellowship opportunities.
Conclusion
In summary, the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center/VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Psychiatry Program offers an outstanding pathway for developing competent and compassionate psychiatrists. With a commitment to high-quality education, clinical excellence, and community service, residents are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the psychiatric profession.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
0, 7, 7, 3 (4 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: February 12, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:40% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.5X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: 12 days [1]
First Year Paid Vacation: 20 days [1]
First Year Salary: $85,009 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 15 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:-- [2]
YOG Cutoff:7 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
18%
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
12%
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
12%
University of Illinois College of Medicine
12%
California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
No 2026 Applicant & Interview Insights available for this program.
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
No data available for USMLE
STEP 2 CK Score
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
37 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
37 Publications (5 yr)
Beyond the Wait-and-See: Data-Driven Decision Points for Guiding Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders.
Barriers to Same-Day Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation in Federally Funded HIV Clinics Within High-Burden Areas of the U.S.: A Coincidence Analysis.
Location
Los Angeles, CA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Los Angeles, CA
Crime rate and safety
Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
Fun activities
Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
Climate
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
Races and population
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
Education
Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
Proximity to bigger cities
Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
Pros
- Exciting cultural opportunities
- diverse culinary experiences
- access to beautiful beaches
- great weather
- and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Cons
- High cost of living
- traffic congestion
- air pollution
- and housing affordability challenges.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Psychiatry Programs Near Los Angeles, CA
Other specialties near Los Angeles, CA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4000531032
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/6c35fb3a-80c0-947f-a410-ca23a99d78fe
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr