Written by Emily Patterson.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine was once celebrated as one of the top medical schools globally. Known for admitting only the brightest and most successful students, it upheld a tradition of excellence. However, this reputation is rapidly changing. Since the appointment of Jennifer Lucero as the Dean of Admissions in June 2020, the focus has shifted from merit to diversity.
According to a report by Aaron Sibarium in Free Beacon, this shift has had severe consequences. Whistleblowers within the university claim that affirmative action, despite being illegal in California since 1996, is being used to prioritize diversity over competence. They argue that this new admissions policy has led to a decline in the quality of admitted students.
The impact is visible in the school’s rankings. Once holding a prestigious 6th place in the US News and World Report rankings, UCLA’s medical school has now fallen to 18th. This significant drop reflects the broader implications of the new admissions policy on the institution’s overall performance and reputation.
Consequences of the Policy
Faculty members with firsthand knowledge of the admissions process have voiced their concerns. They report that the push for racial diversity has resulted in progressively less qualified classes. These students are now struggling to meet the basic requirements of medical competence. One former admissions staff member stated, “We want racial diversity so badly that we’re willing to cut corners to get it.”
The consequences of this policy shift are evident during clinical rotations. An admissions committee member disclosed, “I have students on their rotation who don’t know anything.” This alarming statement highlights the potential risks posed by underqualified medical students entering the healthcare system.
Whistleblowers have noted that complaints to UCLA officials and the university’s Discrimination Prevention Office have been largely ignored. A UCLA faculty member expressed frustration, saying, “I wouldn’t normally talk to a reporter, but there’s no way to stop this without embarrassing the medical school.” The lack of effective internal mechanisms to address these issues has forced faculty members to seek external channels to raise awareness.
Evidence of Decline
The declining performance of UCLA medical students is not just anecdotal. Internal data obtained by the Free Beacon reveals that more than 50 percent of students in some cohorts have failed standardized tests in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. These tests, known as shelf exams, are critical for assessing basic medical knowledge and play a pivotal role in residency applications.
Nationally, only about 5 percent of students fail each of these exams. However, the failure rates at UCLA have increased tenfold in some subjects since 2020. This dramatic rise in failure rates underscores the severity of the situation. The once prestigious medical school is now producing graduates who are ill-prepared for the demands of the medical profession.
Whistleblowers and faculty members fear that this trend will have long-term implications for the quality of healthcare provided by UCLA graduates. As one former admissions staff member put it, “Race-based admissions have turned UCLA into a failed medical school.” This stark assessment reflects the gravity of the crisis facing the institution.
Our Take
The shift in admissions policy at UCLA’s medical school is a prime example of what happens when ideological agendas override merit-based criteria. From a politically conservative perspective, this situation underscores the dangers of prioritizing diversity over competence. The decline in the quality of medical education at UCLA has serious implications for public health and safety.
The decision to prioritize racial diversity at the expense of academic excellence has led to underqualified medical students who are struggling to meet basic standards. This not only jeopardizes their future careers but also poses a risk to patients who rely on competent medical professionals for their care.
Moreover, the lack of accountability within the university’s administration is deeply concerning. Ignoring legitimate concerns and complaints from faculty members and whistleblowers undermines the integrity of the institution. Transparency and merit-based admissions are essential to maintaining the quality and reputation of any educational institution.
The current crisis at UCLA’s medical school should serve as a cautionary tale. It is crucial to uphold merit-based admissions policies to ensure that only the most qualified individuals enter professions that have a direct impact on public well-being. Ideological agendas should never compromise the standards and excellence that have defined institutions like UCLA for decades.