Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Mission and Philosophy

Loma Linda University School of Medicine seeks to continue the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by training competent, compassionate physicians. The institution stresses service, ethical practice, and a commitment to caring for underserved populations both locally and around the world. Its whole-person care model addresses the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, which distinguishes it from many secular medical schools.

Medical Education Programs

The core of the School of Medicine is its Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. The following educational offerings represent the primary services and programs provided by the institution:

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

The four-year MD program prepares students for careers as physicians across all medical specialties. The curriculum blends foundational biomedical sciences with early clinical exposure, patient-centered training, and instruction in the ethical and spiritual dimensions of care. Students complete pre-clinical coursework followed by clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals and clinics.

Combined and Dual Degree Programs

LLUSM offers combined degree pathways that allow students to broaden their expertise and career opportunities. These include:

• MD/PhD program for students pursuing careers in academic medicine and research
• MD combined with graduate degrees in public health, biomedical sciences, and related disciplines through collaboration with other Loma Linda University schools

Graduate Medical Education (Residency and Fellowship Programs)

Through Loma Linda University Health, the School of Medicine supports a wide range of accredited residency and fellowship training programs. These programs provide postgraduate physicians with specialized clinical training across numerous fields, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, radiology, anesthesiology, pathology, neurology, and many surgical and medical subspecialties.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

The school provides continuing medical education opportunities for practicing physicians and healthcare professionals seeking to maintain licensure, expand their knowledge, and stay current with advances in medical science and clinical practice.

Research

Research is an important component of the School of Medicine's activities. Faculty and students engage in basic science, translational, and clinical research across a variety of disciplines. Notable areas of research strength include:

• Cancer biology and oncology
• Neuroscience and brain research
• Cardiovascular disease
• Genomics and molecular biology
• Proton therapy and radiation medicine
• Health disparities and lifestyle medicine

Loma Linda University is internationally recognized for its research into longevity and lifestyle, as the surrounding community of Loma Linda is designated as one of the world's "Blue Zones," where residents experience notably long and healthy lives. This connection informs much of the institution's research into diet, lifestyle, and preventive medicine.

Clinical Services and Affiliated Care

Although the School of Medicine's primary function is education, it works in close partnership with Loma Linda University Health, which operates a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics. Faculty physicians provide patient care while also teaching medical students and residents. Affiliated clinical facilities include:

• Loma Linda University Medical Center, a major tertiary and quaternary care hospital
• Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, a dedicated pediatric facility
• Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta
• Specialty centers including cancer care, heart and vascular services, transplantation, behavioral health, and rehabilitation

Loma Linda University Medical Center is historically significant as a pioneer in infant heart transplantation and is one of the few centers in the world offering proton beam therapy for cancer treatment.

Community and Global Outreach

Consistent with its faith-based mission, the School of Medicine emphasizes service to underserved communities. Students, faculty, and residents participate in local free clinics, community health initiatives, and international medical missions. These outreach efforts provide care to vulnerable populations while giving trainees valuable experience in diverse healthcare settings.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Loma Linda University School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the recognized accrediting body for MD-granting medical schools in the United States. Its residency and fellowship programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The school is a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Summary

Loma Linda University School of Medicine is a distinguished medical education institution that combines rigorous scientific training with a whole-person, faith-based approach to healthcare. Its principal offerings include the Doctor of Medicine degree, combined and dual degree programs, graduate medical education through residencies and fellowships, continuing medical education, and a robust research enterprise. Through its affiliation with Loma Linda University Health, the school also contributes to advanced patient care and community service in Southern California and beyond. With more than a century of history, LLUSM continues to educate physicians dedicated to healing, compassion, and service.