UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise at the David Geffen School of Medicine on March 14, 2025 engaged in a lively discussion centered around several key themes.

Speakers expressed concerns about UCLA’s financial pressures and asked about the strategies the chancellor would employ to navigate these challenges while upholding academic excellence. Attendees also raised questions about faculty evaluation and accountability, emphasizing the need to balance rigorous standards with streamlined processes. Discussion also focused on the importance of fostering a supportive campus culture that encourages open dialogue and embraces diversity as a source of strength.

A speaker asked about UCLA’s goal of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), particularly in light of the state’s growing Hispanic population. Attendees also explored the complexities of ensuring equitable access to health care within the context of UCLA’s expanding clinical enterprise and its role as a public safety net institution.

Finally, the alignment of medical education between Mexico and the United States was discussed, as well as its implications for physician mobility.

Themes

• Medical Education: Speakers discussed making medical education more consistent between Mexico and the United States to facilitate physician mobility.
• UCLA Health: Discussion focused on balancing UCLA Health’s growing role as a public safety net institution with its academic mission and commitment to equitable patient-centered care.
• Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI): UCLA’s process of becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) was discussed, particularly in light of the state’s growing Hispanic population. 
• EDI and NIH Funding: The audience discussed the potential cuts to NIH funding and how they will impact UCLA initiatives. Speakers emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive excellence and creating a supportive environment for all.
• Faculty Support: Strategies for retaining skilled staff who support research and faculty were discussed, especially in the face of economic uncertainties. A speaker noted that ensuring adequate support for research and faculty is essential to UCLA’s success.
• Financial Challenges: Discussions centered around maintaining academic excellence in the face of financial constraints. Specific strategies for navigating financial headwinds while advancing the educational mission were discussed. The audience was interested in the Chancellor’s vision to solve these issues. 
• Academic Efficiency: Discussion centered around finding the right balance between high academic standards and minimizing inefficiencies, while streamlining academic processes. 
• Communication: A speaker noted the importance of creating a campus culture that encourages free inquiry and constructive dialogue and that embraces diversity.
• Chancellor’s Background and Vision: The chancellor’s background as an academic physician and public health leader was highlighted, and speakers were interested in his vision for the future of UCLA.