Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, College of Medicine Program

The Internal Medicine Residency Training Program at Charles R. Drew University develops compassionate, well-rounded, culturally competent internists dedicated to serving the needs of underserved and special populations. The program emphasizes a unique curriculum centered around five pillars: Research, Social Justice, International Exposure, Experiential Education, and Health Policy. This framework prepares residents to understand and influence public policy designed to address disparities in health care while providing holistic care to patients, which includes educating them on various community resources available for additional support 1.

The program is particularly appealing to candidates who are committed to caring for indigent patients and who have an interest in health policy. Charles R. Drew University seeks to attract individuals who are eager to make a difference in the healthcare landscape, particularly for underserved communities 1.

Rotation Curriculum

The residency is structured around a block schedule, with each year comprising 13 blocks, including one block dedicated to vacation. The rotations are designed as follows:

PGY1:

• Community and Behavioral Health Rotation (1 block)
• Wards (5 blocks)
• ICU/CCU (1 block)
• Selective (2 blocks)
• Emergency Room (ER) (1 block)
• Elective (2 blocks)
• Vacation (1 block)

PGY2:

• Wards (4 blocks)
• Selective (3 blocks)
• Elective (3 blocks)
• ICU/CCU (2 blocks)
• Vacation (1 block)

PGY3:

• Wards (3 blocks)
• Selective (3 blocks)
• Elective (4 blocks)
• ER (1 block)
• ICU/CCU (1 block)
• Vacation (1 block)

Residents will also undergo mandatory exposure to vital subspecialties including Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Hematology and Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Geriatric Medicine, and Neurology, with Rheumatology offered as an elective. Additional elective opportunities exist in areas such as Psychiatry, Allergy/Immunology, Dermatology, Office Gynecology, and more 1.

Clinical Sites

Training takes place at various clinical sites that facilitate a broad spectrum of clinical exposure. Key training sites include:

• Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Long Beach (Primary Site)
• Watts Healthcare
• St. Mary Medical Center
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Outpatient Center
• Long Beach Memorial Care Medical Center

Salary & Benefits

The program offers a competitive salary and benefits package starting July 1, 2024. This includes:

• Base Salary
• Meal Stipend (+$6K)
• Housing Allowance (+$10K)
• One paid conference registration during training
• CIR Education Fund ($1,100, rollover)
• (Rising PGY2 only) One-time educational bonus ($2K)
• (PGY4 only) Chief Training Conference & Stipend

Additional resources, including a wellness program and training in nonviolent crisis intervention, contribute to the residents’ overall well-being 1.

Application Information

Applications for the program are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application process includes a range of required documents such as:

• Medical/Osteopathic School Transcript
• Dean’s Letter
• Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Letters of Recommendation, including at least one from a licensed faculty member in the relevant specialty
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Transcript (or COMLEX Level I & II)
• ECFMG Certification (if applicable)

Interviews are conducted from October through February, and applications must be submitted by October 30 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship to qualified international medical graduates, which further enhances its appeal to a diverse pool of applicants. Specific visa types that may be sponsored include the J-1 visa 1.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is highly competitive, with consideration given to various factors such as graduation year and exam performance. For instance, there may be limits on the number of failed Step exams that applicants can have. While the program welcomes applications from both DO and IMG candidates, prospective applicants should be mindful of the specific application requirements detailed above 1.