The geriatrics graduate program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA was ranked No. 1 in its category by U.S. News & World Report's 2007 survey of the nation's medical schools and specialties.

"This is a big step up for the program, which was ranked No. 3 in last year's list. The jump reflects our faculty's efforts to remain at the forefront of the latest medical advances for the elderly," said Dr. David Reuben, chief of the UCLA Division of Geriatrics.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are published in the magazine's April 10 issue and the book "America's Best Graduate Schools." Both will appear April 3 on newsstands. The rankings also will be available online March 31 on the magazine's Web site, www.usnews.com. Medical specialty rankings are based on ratings by medical school deans and senior faculty at peer schools.

"We have a terrific faculty and continuously revise our curriculum to make sure that our trainees are well prepared to meet the healthcare needs of older persons," Reuben said. "Our trainees master the specialty's knowledge and skills and also learn about systems that are essential for delivering high-quality care."

Other UCLA specialties ranked among the nation's top 10 include drug/alcohol abuse (No. 4); AIDS (No. 8); and pediatrics (No. 9). In addition, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA was ranked as a leader in research among the nation's top 20 medical schools.

Established in 1979, the UCLA Multicampus Program in Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology is a national leader in providing geriatric clinical care, teaching physicians and other health professionals how to care for the elderly, while conducting research aimed at improving the health and independence of older persons.

Students in the program train at the UCLA Medical Center and UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and the Anna and Harry Borun Center for Gerontological Research.