• Medical Schools in San Diego, CA with Degree Program Descriptions
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Medical Schools in San Diego, CA with Degree Program Descriptions

There is one medical school within 50 miles of San Diego. Read an overview of this school's programs, requirements and admission info and find out if this school is the right one for you.

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Comparison of San Diego Medical School Programs

Individuals interested in pursuing a medical degree in San Diego can take advantage of nationally ranked medical programs offered through the medical school at the University of California - San Diego. Programs are available in a variety of specialties, ranging from the traditional Doctor of Medicine to a master's degree in the leadership of healthcare organizations.

University of California - San Diego
Degrees Offered Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Master of Advanced Studies in the Leadership of Healthcare Organizations (MAS)
Master of Clinical Research (CREST)
Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health - Epidemiology
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)
School Type 4-year; public
Total Enrollment (2011) 28,593*
Campus Setting Large City
Total Medical School Tuition & Fees (2012-2013 Academic Year)** $234,533 (M.D. Program)
$28,500 (MAS Program)
$28,000 (CREST Program)
Relevant Facilities Student-Run Free Clinic
Four medical centers and hospitals
Noteworthy Nationally ranked medical school
35 Medical Student Organizations
All research institutions within walking distance
Distance from Las Vegas 15.6 mi (20 min)

Source: *NCES College Navigator, **University of California - San Diego.

Programs at University of California - San Diego (UCSD)

In 2013, the US News & World Report ranked the University of California - San Diego as #38 of National Universities. UCSD's medical school was also ranked as #16 for Best Research and #27 for Best Primary Care, with specializations in AIDS and Drug & Alcohol Abuse both ranking as eighth in the country. In addition, the medical school provides a faculty-student ratio of 2.4:1, with a faculty composed of 1,263 members.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

The traditional MD program at UCSD is a 4-year degree program that provides a strong foundation in human health and disease with the skills necessary for clinical practice. There are a total of 84 incoming students each year who are divided equally into six academic communities that are lead by a faculty director and are provided with counseling, support and mentoring by various faculty members. The first two years of the curriculum include case-based learning modules and case reviews, as well as courses developed with a focus on human organ systems.

The third year concentrates on core clinical clerkships that range from four to twelve weeks in length. Clerkships include the study of medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics and reproductive health. The final year requires nine months of clerkships and clinical electives, as well as an Independent Study Project (ISP). Over the course of four years, students must complete a total of 135 hours dedicated to elective work.

Master of Advanced Studies in the Leadership of Healthcare Organizations (MAS)

The MAS degree program requires 42-quarter units of coursework that can be completed within a year of intensive study, although students can choose to complete the program within three years if necessary. This program focuses on management and leadership skills in combination with healthcare and clinical processes. The curriculum is a combination of the study of healthcare issues with a business foundation. Core courses include the study of financial accounting, management, healthcare leadership and modern healthcare issues. Electives available focus on public policy, political advocacy and global health policy.

Master of Clinical Research (CREST)

CREST is a part-time graduate degree program designed for mid-stage professionals who want to conduct patient-based research in academia and the healthcare industry. The curriculum includes core courses in epidemiology, informatics, biostatistics, health services research, data management and patient-oriented research. This coursework is complemented by professional development seminars and electives in data analysis. There are six elective tracks available that allow for specialization. These include the study of biostatistics, global health research, data mining, drug development and regulation, effectiveness research and clinical research leadership. Completion of a clinical research project is required during the final term.

Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health - Epidemiology

The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at UC San Diego's medical school and San Diego State University's Graduate School of Public Health offer a joint Ph.D. program in public health with a concentration in epidemiology. This program is one of a handful of joint degree programs between UC San Diego's medical school and San Diego State. Students take courses in disease and behavioral epidemiology, medical geography and exercise science. Candidates conduct research at both universities. Specializations available include the study of infectious and chronic diseases, behavioral epidemiology, medical geography and exercise science.

Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

The MSTP program is a joint MD and Ph.D. program designed for students wanting to become physician-scientists. The curriculum offers students a combination of medical training with a strong background in research. Three laboratory rotations are required, and participants must choose a graduate program as a concentration, such as bioengineering, neuroscience, anthropology or physics. Only 8 to ten students are accepted annually, and participants receive full support for tuition and stipend during their course of study. Participants are also encouraged to work with UCSD's Student-Run Free Medical Clinic to gain hands-on experience treating actual patients. Each student's program is specialized, but most students complete this dual degree program within eight years.

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