Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is a 377-bed public hospital located in Sylmar, California, and is part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LACDHS) network. The hospital has a rich history dating back to 1920, when it was originally established as the Olive View Sanatorium, a tuberculosis hospital. Over the years, the hospital has undergone significant transformations, including its affiliation with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1970, which led to its current name, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center.
History and Evolution of Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

The hospital’s early years were marked by its focus on treating tuberculosis patients, with the sanatorium being one of the largest in the United States at the time. However, with the decline of tuberculosis cases, the hospital began to shift its focus towards providing general medical care to the community. The affiliation with UCLA in 1970 marked a significant turning point, as it brought in academic and research opportunities, as well as access to specialized medical care. Today, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is a major teaching hospital, providing a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics.
Medical Services and Specialties
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including a Level II trauma center, a burn center, and a stroke center. The hospital is also home to various specialized clinics, such as the HIV/AIDS clinic, the tuberculosis clinic, and the mental health clinic. In addition, the hospital has a strong focus on community health, with programs aimed at promoting health education, disease prevention, and health screenings. The hospital’s medical staff includes over 400 physicians, many of whom are faculty members at UCLA, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care.
| Medical Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Department | 24/7 emergency care, including trauma services |
| Surgical Services | General surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and more |
| Outpatient Clinics | Specialized clinics for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, mental health, and more |
| Community Health Programs | Health education, disease prevention, and health screenings |

Key Points
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is a 377-bed public hospital located in Sylmar, California
- The hospital has a rich history dating back to 1920, with a focus on tuberculosis treatment and later general medical care
- The hospital's affiliation with UCLA in 1970 brought in academic and research opportunities, as well as access to specialized medical care
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics
- The hospital has a strong focus on community health, with programs aimed at promoting health education, disease prevention, and health screenings
Research and Education at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through research and education. The hospital is involved in various research studies, including clinical trials, and has a strong focus on translational research, which aims to bring scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside. The hospital’s affiliation with UCLA also provides opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows to receive training and education in a real-world setting.
Residency and Fellowship Programs
Olive View-UCLA Medical Center offers a range of residency and fellowship programs, including internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. These programs provide trainees with hands-on experience and exposure to a diverse patient population, as well as mentorship from experienced faculty members. The hospital’s residency and fellowship programs are designed to prepare trainees for careers in academic medicine, research, and clinical practice.
In addition to its clinical services and research programs, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is also committed to addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity in the communities it serves. The hospital's community health programs aim to address issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to healthcare, and provide resources and support to patients and families in need.
What types of medical services are available at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center?
+Olive View-UCLA Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics. The hospital also has specialized clinics for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and mental health, among others.
Is Olive View-UCLA Medical Center a teaching hospital?
+Yes, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is a major teaching hospital, providing training and education to medical students, residents, and fellows. The hospital's affiliation with UCLA ensures that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care, while also providing opportunities for medical education and research.
What community health programs are available at Olive View-UCLA Medical Center?
+Olive View-UCLA Medical Center offers a range of community health programs, including health education, disease prevention, and health screenings. The hospital also has programs aimed at addressing the social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability, and provides resources and support to patients and families in need.
In conclusion, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is a vital healthcare resource for the communities in the San Fernando Valley, providing a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient clinics. The hospital’s affiliation with UCLA ensures that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care, while its community health programs aim to address the social determinants of health and promote health equity. As a major teaching hospital, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center is committed to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care through research and education, and is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.