Susan D. Leonard, MD

Susan D. Leonard, MD, CMD is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor and board-certified Geriatrician at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She earned her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, completed her Internal Medicine residency at UC Davis, and her Geriatrics Fellowship at UCLA.

She serves as the Division Lead for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care and directs the nursing home program for the faculty group. Dr. Leonard also serves as the Certified Medical Director for several skilled nursing facilities in Santa Monica, the Skilled Nursing Facility Director for the UCLA Geriatric Fellowship Program, and the Site Director for the post-acute rotation.

Her clinical practice spans inpatient, outpatient, and increasingly post-acute/nursing home care, with an emphasis on comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. She values the collaborative nature of geriatrics and the opportunity to work closely with interdisciplinary teams to improve the well-being and quality of life of older adults.

Dr. Leonard remains actively engaged in medical education across all levels, contributing to curriculum development, faculty support, and learner mentorship. She also serves on several educational and clinical committees within the Geriatrics Division and Fellowship Program. Previously, she chaired the Geriatrics Clinical Skills Course, collaborating with colleagues to introduce medical students to core geriatric principles. Her dedication to education is reflected in the numerous teaching awards she has received over the years.

Dr. Leonard is proud to be part of UCLA’s vibrant academic community and remains dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of older adults through clinical excellence, education, and quality improvement.  She also enjoys long-distance running, but now stays extra busy and active keeping up with her three growing children.