The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residency Program provides residents with advanced training in musculoskeletal medicine, neurorehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, and brain injury.
Our program integrates academic excellence, clinical service, community engagement, and social justice, preparing residents to become leaders in the field of rehabilitation medicine.
Our program integrates academic excellence, clinical service, community engagement, and social justice, preparing residents to become leaders in the field of rehabilitation medicine.
From day one, residents gain access to CDU’s extensive resources, including our Health Sciences Library, simulation training center, and interdisciplinary research opportunities. We also emphasize wellness support, culturally sensitive mentorship, and work-life balance.
The program received Initial Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2024.
Program Goals
- Deliver a comprehensive educational experience that integrates research, social justice, international exposure, community-based care, and health policy.
- Provide patient-centered, team-based clinical training in under-resourced communities.
- Offer diverse clinical exposure at partner sites across Los Angeles County, including pediatric and adult rehabilitation.
- Require completion of 36 months of complex musculoskeletal and neurorehabilitation training, covering inpatient, outpatient, and consultative services.
- Engage residents in longitudinal research addressing health disparities and health equity.
- Promote faculty mentorship, professional growth, and leadership development for all residents.
Clinical Training Sites
Residents gain hands-on training at world-class facilities, including:
- Primary site: Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Long Beach
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
- Watts Healthcare Center
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
- Sutter Health
Financial Support: Salaries, Stipends, and Allowances
(Base salary effective October 1, 2026)
| Year | Base Salary | stipends & allowances | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGY-1 | $79,866 | $17,900 | $97,766 |
| PGY-2 | $79,866 | $20,966 | $100,832 |
| PGY-3 | $79,866 | $18,966 | $98,832 |
| PGY-4 | $85,806 | $19,082.47 | $104,888.47 |
| PGY-5 | $91,819.56 | $19,200.38 | $111,019.94 |
| PGY-6 | $98,040.72 | $19,322.37 | $117,363.09 |
Additional stipends (subject to availability)
- Chief Resident: $3,900
- Ratification: $5,000/$2,000
To Apply
To apply, submit:
- ERAS Application
- Medical/Osteopathic School Transcript
- Dean’s Letter
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation: At least one from a faculty licensed in family medicine, who can comment directly on your clinical performance in the field. Letters from individual faculty members are preferred.
- USLME Step 1 and Step 2 Transcript (or COMLEX Level I & II)
- ECFMG Certification (if applicable)
Deadline: November 30
Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
Message from the Program Director
We welcome you to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
Our department is home to a diverse faculty committed to advancing health equity and service to under-resourced communities. By providing clinical knowledge and expertise to trainees with a similar ideal and passion, our goal is to create patient-centered advocates and culturally competent physicians whose skills can be applied anywhere of their choosing.
CDU is a university that serves a wide range of populations, and we are proud to offer state-of-the-art clinical experiences in and near the marginalized communities of South Los Angeles. In alignment with this mission, the PM&R residency program promotes both patient health and safety and progressive resident competencies in our field — our vision is for communities to thrive, our residents to thrive.
CDU residents enjoy a well-balanced work-life model and are provided support and resources for their optimal mental health and wellness throughout their training.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program and how you can join us in the mission.
Agnes Wallbom, MD
Questions? Contact Us.
