Planning to apply to the Charles R. Drew University Internal Medicine Residency? This guide covers everything in one place: ERAS documents and eligibility; key deadlines and Thalamus Virtual interview dates; what a typical intern day looks like; continuity clinics and core rotations at LBVA and affiliate hospitals; research and mentorship; wellness resources; and how residents are evaluated and supported. Use this FAQ to confirm score thresholds, prepare your materials, and understand the training experience so you can submit a strong, on-time application.
Application and Eligibility
Applicants apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). NRMP information: [insert NRMP Program Code and Match details here].
A complete ERAS application includes:
Curriculum vitae
Medical school transcript
Dean’s Letter, MSPE
USMLE or COMLEX scores
Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from internal medicine physicians
U.S. graduates: MD or DO degree from an accredited school.
International Medical Graduates: ECFMG certification and passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2.
Minimum score guidance: USMLE Step 2 of 230 or higher, COMLEX Level 2 of 500 or higher.
Residency Interviews
December 1, 2025.
Interviews run from October 28 through January 27 using the Thalamus Virtual platform. We interview on Tuesdays, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Residency Program Structure
Days usually begin around 6:30 a.m. with handover. We hold morning report and noon conference on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The schedule was adjusted based on resident feedback, since Mondays often involve service changes and Fridays focus on timely completion of work.
Residents are divided into three cohort teams and gain continuity experience at:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center
Watts Health Center
Westside Family Health Center
Residents care for diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations, building confidence across the full spectrum of primary care, from common chronic illness to complex multimorbidity. The experience includes geriatrics, behavioral health, women’s health, and preventive medicine. Beginning January 26, interns will start continuity clinic at APLA Health on the CDU campus, where they will manage their own panel of LGBTQ+ patients.
At the Long Beach VA (LBVA):
Inpatient wards and ICU
Subspecialties including Sleep Medicine, Dermatology, Neurology, Palliative Care, Geriatrics, Nephrology, Hematology and Oncology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonary and Critical Care, General Cardiology, Cardiology Procedures and Heart Failure, Addiction Medicine, and Allergy and Immunology
Affiliated hospital rotations include:
St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach: interns complete one month of wards
Kaiser and LA General (USC): PGY-2 rotations such as CCU at Kaiser and MICU, Hematology and Oncology, and Endocrinology at LA General
Yes. Residents teach CDU medical students on inpatient services and in ambulatory clinics.
Yes. Our Director of Research, Dr. Chizobam Ani, matches residents with faculty mentors based on interests, provides one-on-one advising, and guides residents through project design, abstract submission, poster or oral presentation, and manuscript preparation.
Resident Wellness and Evaluation
Resident wellness is a priority. Our first Wellness Chief, Dr. Melvina Nnam, chairs the resident-run wellness committee. We provide protected Wellness Time built into the Y-week schedule for activities such as wellness walks, reflection, and team-building. Each year includes a retreat and an end-of-year banquet.
Direct observation during inpatient rounds and clinic
Milestone assessments and in-training exams
Faculty evaluations at the end of each rotation, organized around ACGME core competencies: medical knowledge, patient care, professionalism, systems-based practice, practice-based learning, and communication
Resident self-assessments and goal setting with the Program Director, Dr. Eapen
Peer feedback
Review of scholarly activity and quality improvement projects
The Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) reviews evaluations semiannually and determines progression using ACGME Milestones.
Yes. We provide a structured, compassionate approach:
Comprehensive learning assessment
Meetings with the Program Director and a learning specialist
Consultation with Dr. Mohammad Khan, Associate Program Director and chair of the Academic Success Committee (ASC)
Identification of challenges across knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication, professionalism, stressors, or health concerns
Pairing with a faculty mentor and enrollment in the Medical Knowledge Improvement Program (MKIP)
An individualized improvement plan with clear goals, timelines, and resources
Long Beach,
Los Angeles
Huntington Beach,
Orange County
Redondo Beach
Signal Hill
South Bay cities: Carson, Lomita, Torrance
West LA
Quick References
ERAS: Submit all application materials through ERAS
NRMP: include program code and Match details here
Deadlines: application by December 1, 2025; interviews Oct 28 to Jan 27
Interview platform: Thalamus Virtual
Clinic sites: MLK Outpatient Center, Watts Health Center, Westside Family Health Center, APLA Health
