Loma Linda School of Medicine (Loma Linda, CA)

Rebecca Nolan

Group Content Manager

About

Loma Linda University School of Medicine is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Loma Linda, California. It was founded in 1905 and is part of Loma Linda University, a health sciences institution that includes eight schools. These include dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, public health, religion, allied health professions, and behavioral health.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine’s mission is to educate physicians and medical researchers to provide high-quality patient care, discover knowledge, and serve the community. They offer a range of medical programs, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, a Physician Assistant (PA) program, and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences program.

The MD program is a four-year program that provides a comprehensive medical education with a focus on whole-person care, including spiritual, ethical, and social aspects of health. This curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education. Students also have the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations.

The PA program is a two-year program that provides training for students to become licensed healthcare providers who work under the supervision of a physician. Their program includes both didactic as well as clinical components. Students also gain experience in a variety of medical specialties.

The PhD in Biomedical Sciences program is a research-oriented program that provides students with training in a range of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology. This program also prepares students for careers in biomedical research or academic medicine.

The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredits the school. Additionally, the PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), and the PhD in Biomedical Sciences program is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Accreditation ensures that the quality of education provided by Loma Linda University School of Medicine meets national standards and prepares graduates to meet the demands of their chosen profession. It also allows graduates to be eligible for licensure and certification exams, which are required to practice medicine or work in healthcare.

Medical Programmes Offered

Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers several medical programs.

Doctor of Medicine (MD):

A four-year program that prepares students to become licensed physicians. The curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education. Students also learn to provide whole-person care to diverse patient populations.

Physician Assistant (PA):

This is a two-year program that prepares students to become licensed healthcare providers who work under the supervision of a physician. The program includes didactic and clinical components, and students also gain experience in a range of medical specialties.

PhD in Biomedical Sciences:

A research-oriented program that prepares students for careers in biomedical research or academic medicine. The program provides training in a range of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology.

Master of Public Health (MPH):

This is a two-year program that prepares students to become public health professionals who work to promote health and prevent disease in communities. The curriculum includes coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health.

Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry:

A two-year program that prepares students to become medical dosimetrists, who work in radiation oncology to plan and deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients. The program includes didactic and clinical components, and students also gain experience in treatment planning, quality assurance, and patient care.

Master of Science in Health Informatics:

This is a two-year program that prepares students to become health informatics professionals, who work to manage and analyze healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. The curriculum includes coursework in healthcare information systems, data analysis, and healthcare policy.

Loma Linda University School of Medicine also offers several certificate programs and continuing education courses for healthcare professionals.

Teaching and Curriculum

The school’s teaching and curriculum provides a comprehensive medical education. It focuses on whole-person care, including spiritual, ethical, and social aspects of health. This curriculum prepares students to become competent and compassionate physicians who can provide high-quality patient care.

The MD program curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education, with early clinical exposure to diverse patient populations. It is organized into three phases: Foundations, Core Clinical, and Advanced Clinical. In the Foundations phase, students learn the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology. For the Core Clinical phase, students learn clinical skills and knowledge in a variety of medical specialties. In the Advanced Clinical phase, students have the opportunity to pursue electives in their areas of interest and participate in advanced clinical experiences.

The Physician Assistant program curriculum includes didactic and clinical components. There is a focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality patient care. The curriculum covers a range of medical specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and surgery. Students gain clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.

The PhD in Biomedical Sciences program curriculum provides students with a rigorous education in a range of scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology. The program includes coursework, laboratory research, and a thesis project. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects and gain experience in scientific writing and presentation.

Admissions Requirements

Loma Linda University School of Medicine has a highly selective admissions process. To be considered for admission to the MD program, applicants must meet the following requirements.

1. Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

2. Pre-medical coursework: Candidates must complete pre-medical coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and English. The specific coursework requirements can be found on the school’s website.

3. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Students must take the MCAT and receive a competitive score. The school does not have a minimum MCAT score requirement. However, the average score of admitted students is typically in the top 25th percentile.

4. Letters of recommendation: Candidates must submit letters of recommendation from at least three individuals. This includes one from a science faculty member and one from a healthcare provider.

5. Personal statement: Students must submit a personal statement that highlights their interest in medicine, their personal and professional goals, and their experiences that have prepared them for a career in medicine.

6. Interviews: Applicants who meet the initial screening criteria will be invited to participate in an interview process. The interview is conducted by members of the admissions committee and is designed to assess the applicant’s communication skills, professionalism, and suitability for the program.

In addition to the above requirements, Loma Linda University School of Medicine also considers an applicant’s personal qualities, including their integrity, empathy, and commitment to service. The school seeks to admit a diverse group of students who have a demonstrated commitment to serving underserved communities and providing whole-person care.

This data represents the average GPA, average MCAT score, number of applicants, and class size for the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. 

Student Life

Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of activities and resources to enhance the student experience. Here are some aspects of student life at Loma Linda:

1. Student organizations: The school has a variety of student-led organizations. This includes clubs focused on academic interests, community service, cultural diversity, and social activities. These organizations provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. Additionally, they can make connections with peers, and engage in extracurricular activities.

2. Campus events: Loma Linda University hosts numerous campus events throughout the year, including guest lectures, cultural celebrations, and social events. These events provide opportunities for students to learn from experts in their fields, engage with the campus community, and have fun.

3. Spiritual life: Loma Linda University is a faith-based institution, and the school encourages students to explore and develop their spirituality. The campus has a chapel and offers opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

4. Health and wellness: The school is committed to promoting the health and well-being of its students. The campus has a wellness center that offers resources and services to support students’ physical, emotional, and mental health.

5. Housing: Loma Linda University offers a variety of housing options for students, including on-campus apartments and off-campus housing. The school also has a housing office that can assist students in finding suitable accommodations.

Extracurricular Activities

Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Here are some examples:

1. Community service: A strong emphasis on service to the community, and many student organizations are focused on community service. Students can volunteer at local hospitals, clinics, and community organizations, or participate in global health outreach programs.

2. Research opportunities: A robust research program, and students can participate in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The school also hosts an annual research symposium where students can present their work.

3. Sports and fitness: There is a variety of intramural sports teams, including basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The campus also has a fitness center with a wide range of equipment and classes.

4. Arts and culture: The school hosts cultural events and performances throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, and theater productions. Students can also participate in music and art clubs or attend cultural events in the surrounding community.

5. Leadership development: They offer leadership development programs and workshops for students who are interested in developing their leadership skills. Students can also participate in student government or serve as peer mentors to underclassmen.

Overall, Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers a diverse range of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide variety of interests. These activities provide opportunities for students to develop new skills, make connections with peers, and enhance their personal and professional growth.

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Student Accommodation

Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options for students. Here are some examples:

1. On-campus apartments: Apartments for students and their families on the campus grounds. These apartments are fully furnished and include utilities, internet, and cable TV. The apartments are within walking distance of the school, making it convenient for students to attend classes and participate in campus activities.

2. Off-campus housing: Assistance to students who wish to find off-campus housing. The school’s housing office maintains a database of available apartments and houses in the surrounding area and can assist students with finding suitable accommodations.

3. Roommates: The school provides a roommate matching service for students who wish to share an apartment or house with others. This service helps students find compatible roommates who share similar interests and lifestyles.

4. Commuter options: For students who prefer to commute to school, the school offers parking permits for students who wish to park on campus. The school also provides a shuttle service that runs between the campus and local off-campus housing areas.

About the University

Key Information

Website:  https://medicine.llu.edu/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone number:  (909) 558-4461

Course Information

*Note: Tuition fees are for the 2021-2022 academic year and are subject to change. Additional fees may apply.

FAQs

Are there opportunities for international experiences during medical school?

Yes, Loma Linda University School of Medicine offers a variety of international experiences for students. These include global health outreach programs, international medical missions, and study-abroad opportunities.

What kind of research opportunities are available for medical students?

The school has a robust research program, and students can participate in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. Areas of research include basic science, translational research, clinical trials, and public health.

What kind of support is available for students with disabilities?

Loma Linda University School of Medicine is committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities. The school’s Office of Disabilities Support Services works with students to identify appropriate accommodations and provides support throughout the academic program.

Can students pursue dual degrees while enrolled in medical school?

Yes, the school offers a variety of dual degree programs, including MD/MPH, MD/MS, and MD/MBA. These programs allow students to gain additional expertise in areas that complement their medical training.

What kind of clinical experiences do students have during medical school?

Students have access to a variety of clinical experiences throughout the medical program, including rotations at local hospitals and clinics, as well as international medical missions. These experiences provide hands-on training and exposure to a wide range of medical specialties.