Loma Linda University: Pioneering Whole Person Care and Health Sciences Innovation

Loma Linda University (LLU), a private Seventh-day Adventist institution in California, has been a global leader in health sciences education, research, and patient care since its founding in 1905. Rooted in a mission to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, LLU integrates faith and science to promote whole person care—physical, relational, intellectual, spiritual, and mental (PRISM).

Evolving from its origins as the College of Medical Evangelists, the university has grown to include eight schools, over 100 programs, a high research activity designation, and a vast healthcare network with six medical facilities. Known for groundbreaking achievements like the first infant heart transplant and the first hospital-based proton accelerator for cancer treatment, LLU also serves over a million patients annually and fosters a diverse student body as a recognized Minority-Serving Institution. Guided by values such as compassion, integrity, and excellence, LLU continues to shape healthcare and improve lives worldwide.

Loma Linda University: A Legacy of Whole Person Care and Health Innovation

Loma Linda University (LLU) is a private, Seventh-day Adventist institution located in Loma Linda, California, dedicated to integrating faith, science, and health. Established in 1905, it has grown into a world-class academic medical center known for its pioneering efforts in health sciences education, research, and patient care, driven by a mission “to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

Historical Roots and Growth

The university’s origins trace back to 1905 when the Seventh-day Adventist Church, inspired by a vision from co-founder Ellen G. White, acquired the property for a sanitarium. The first nursing students were admitted in December 1905, followed by the opening of the medical school in 1909. Initially named the College of Medical Evangelists (CME), it received its charter as a medical school with the unique purpose of preparing physicians to address the “whole person.”

Over the decades, LLU expanded its offerings, with significant milestones including:

• 1905: School of Nursing established.
• 1909: Medical School chartered as College of Medical Evangelists (CME).
• 1953: School of Dentistry established.
• 1961: Institution officially renamed Loma Linda University.
• 1966: Schools/Programs consolidated into the School of Allied Health Professions.
• 1968: Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) dedicated.
• 1990: LLU recognized as a health sciences university.
• 1991: Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center opened.
• 2002: School of Pharmacy established.
• 2012: School of Behavioral Health established.
• 2015: Corporation name changed to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH).
• 2021: Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus, including a new 16-story Medical Center and Children’s Hospital extension, opened.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Loma Linda University’s core mission is to embody the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This mission is underpinned by a vision of transforming lives through education, healthcare, and research. The university’s values, often summarized by the acronym PRISM (Physical, Relational, Intellectual, Spiritual, and Mental), include:

• Compassion: Reflecting the love of God with respect, mercy, and empathy.
• Excellence: Exceeding expectations with effectiveness, reliability, and efficiency.
• Humility: Putting self-importance aside for the greater good of others.
• Integrity: Carrying out actions with honesty and trustworthiness.
• Justice: Committing to fostering a welcoming environment and ensuring quality healthcare access for all.
• Teamwork: Collaborating to achieve a shared purpose.
• Wholeness: Actively living the PRISM principles within a loving relationship with God and demonstrated through service to others.

Academic Profile

Loma Linda University is a private institution with a strong focus on health sciences. As of Autumn Quarter 2022, the total student population was 4,325, with an undergraduate population of 1,073. Approximately 68% of students receive financial aid. The university operates on a quarter system.

LLU comprises eight schools, offering over 100 programs across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates. These schools include:

1. School of Allied Health Professions
2. School of Behavioral Health
3. School of Dentistry
4. School of Medicine
5. School of Nursing
6. School of Pharmacy
7. School of Public Health
8. School of Religion
9. Faculty of Graduate Studies

Popular majors include Registered Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Clinical Laboratory Science. The university is also recognized as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), enabling it to access additional funding to support low-income and minority students.

Research and Innovation

Loma Linda University is classified as a “High Research Activity Institution” (Carnegie R2). It boasts a century of significant discoveries, contributing to advancements in biological, behavioral, physical, and environmental sciences. Key research achievements and ongoing efforts include:

• First Infant Heart Transplant: Performed by Dr. Leonard Bailey in 1984.
• First Hospital-Based Proton Accelerator for Cancer Treatment: Unveiled in 1990.
• Adventist Health Studies: Long-term population studies investigating the link between lifestyle and health outcomes.
• Research in areas like oral cancer prevention, stroke symptom relief, and the impact of faith-informed care on patient outcomes.
• Over $25 million in extramural research awards annually.
• A dedicated 7-year Research Track for medical residents interested in academic careers.

Medical Facilities and Patient Care

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) is a vast healthcare enterprise that includes:

• Six Medical Facilities: Licensed for approximately 1,076 beds, including:
  • Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC)
  • Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH)
  • Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus Hospital (LLUECH)
  • Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital (LLUHSH)
  • Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center (LLUBMC)
  • Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta (serving southwest Riverside County)
• Level I Trauma Center: LLUMC serves as the only Level I regional trauma center for Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
• Significant Patient Volume: Annually, LLUH admits over 58,000 inpatients and serves nearly 1.1 million outpatients.
• Specialized Programs: Leading programs in neonatal care, outpatient surgery, infant heart transplantation, and proton treatment for cancer.

Notable Alumni

Loma Linda University has a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

• Ariel Henry: Former acting Prime Minister of Haiti (neurosurgeon).
• Ted N. C. Wilson: President of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Jeffrey Kuhlman: Former Physician to the President of the United States under Barack Obama.
• Ruth Janetta Temple: Pioneering physician known for providing free and affordable healthcare in underserved communities.
• Frank Jobe: Orthopedic surgeon, famous for pioneering the “Tommy John” surgery.
• Lisa Marie Varon: Retired professional wrestler (Victoria/Tara).
• Sakena Yacoobi: Afghan activist promoting education for women and children.
• Ralph Alvarado: Physician and politician, former Kentucky State Senator.

Loma Linda University stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to health, education, and service, continually striving to advance whole person care and make a global impact.

FAQs about Loma Linda University

What is Loma Linda University known for?
Loma Linda University is renowned for its commitment to whole person care, health sciences education, cutting-edge medical research, and faith-based service.

Where is Loma Linda University located?
It is located in Loma Linda, California, in San Bernardino County.

Is Loma Linda University affiliated with a religious organization?
Yes, LLU is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and integrates Christian values into its academic and healthcare mission.

When was Loma Linda University founded?
It was founded in 1905 as the College of Medical Evangelists and later renamed Loma Linda University in 1961.

What does whole person care mean at LLU?
Whole person care refers to treating individuals holistically—physically, relationally, intellectually, spiritually, and mentally (PRISM).

How many schools are part of LLU?
There are eight schools, including the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Allied Health Professions, and Religion, plus the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

What are the most popular programs at LLU?
Popular majors include Registered Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Clinical Laboratory Science.

What is LLU’s student population?
As of Autumn 2022, LLU had 4,325 students, including 1,073 undergraduates.

Does LLU offer financial aid?
Yes, approximately 68% of students receive financial aid.

What type of academic calendar does LLU follow?
LLU operates on a quarter system.

Is LLU a research institution?
Yes, it is classified as a “High Research Activity” (Carnegie R2) institution.

What are some of LLU’s major research accomplishments?
Major milestones include the first infant heart transplant in 1984 and the first hospital-based proton accelerator for cancer treatment in 1990.

What are the Adventist Health Studies?
They are long-term research projects led by LLU examining how lifestyle and faith impact health outcomes.

Does LLU have a medical center?
Yes, it operates six medical facilities, including Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital.

Is LLU a trauma center?
Yes, LLUMC is the only Level I trauma center serving Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

How many patients does LLU serve annually?
LLU admits over 58,000 inpatients and serves nearly 1.1 million outpatients each year.

What is the Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus?
Opened in 2021, it includes a 16-story medical center and a children’s hospital extension, enhancing LLU’s care and training capabilities.

Is LLU a Minority-Serving Institution?
Yes, LLU holds MSI designation, which allows it to access funding to support low-income and minority students.

Who are some notable alumni of LLU?
Notable alumni include Ariel Henry (former Prime Minister of Haiti), Dr. Frank Jobe (pioneered Tommy John surgery), and Sakena Yacoobi (Afghan education activist).

What values guide Loma Linda University?
LLU follows the PRISM model, emphasizing compassion, excellence, humility, integrity, justice, teamwork, and wholeness.

Does LLU support academic careers in medicine?
Yes, LLU offers a 7-year Research Track program for medical residents pursuing academic careers.

What makes LLU unique among medical institutions?
Its integration of faith with science, commitment to whole person care, and pioneering history in healthcare innovation make it unique.

What is the role of the School of Religion at LLU?
The School of Religion supports the spiritual and ethical foundation of the university’s mission, offering courses and programs aligned with faith-based healthcare.

Are international students eligible to apply to LLU?
Yes, LLU welcomes international students across various programs, though specific requirements may apply.

What healthcare services does LLU offer?
LLU provides comprehensive services, including neonatal care, surgery, behavioral medicine, heart transplants, and cancer treatment.

Does LLU engage in community service?
Yes, LLU is deeply involved in local and global service initiatives, consistent with its mission to care for the whole person.