Dr. Karim Amireh, left, an inaugural resident in the new PM&R program, observes a therapy session. Photo by Ben Hensley
published on August 11, 2026 – 4:58 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
The Central Valley’s first residency program dedicated to physical medicine and rehabilitation launched in Fresno through a partnership between California Health Sciences University and United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley.
Officials from seven participating health care organizations gathered Tuesday at the VA Fresno Medical Center to introduce the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program, designed to train physicians to help patients regain function and improve quality of life after injuries, illnesses, amputations and other conditions.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as PM&R or physiatry, focuses on the diagnosis, evaluation and management of patients of all ages with physical or cognitive impairments, disabilities and functional limitations.
VA Central California Health Care System CEO Froy Garza said the program — years in the making — represents an unusual level of cooperation among health care providers and educators in the region.
“This PM&R residency program represents an extraordinary level of collaboration, where seven organizations have come together,” Garza said. “That’s a big deal, and it demonstrates the power of a community, of partnership and a shared vision for the future of healthcare.”
Multi-campus model
The Fresno-based program uses a multi-campus training model involving CHSU, United Health Centers, San Joaquin Valley Rehab Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Center and the VA Central California Health Care System. Residents will gain experience across the participating institutions, learning from physicians representing each organization.
Officials from seven health care organizations gather Tuesday at the VA Fresno Medical Center to launch the first Fresno-based physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program. Photo by Ben Hensley
Garza said the program is intended not only to educate physicians but also to encourage more of them to build their careers in Central California.
“It is about creating opportunities for physicians to learn, to grow, and to serve right here in central California,” Garza said. “And we hope that some of these physicians will ultimately choose to build their careers here.”
Three-year effort
Dr. Duc Chung, program director for CHSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, said developing the residency took about three years and required participation from organizations both in the Valley and beyond.
“The power of teamwork and the collective community with a capital C is what made this program,” Chung said.
Meet the residents
The program introduced its two inaugural residents — Dr. Karim Amireh and Dr. Samuel Doty — during Tuesday’s event.
Amireh, who is from Fresno, said the chance to complete his residency in the region was one of the program’s strongest draws.
“Being able to build my career in the community that raised me and to serve the people of Central Valley means a great deal to me,” Amireh said.
He said rotating among several organizations will also expose residents to differing approaches to patient care.
“I believe that kind of collaboration makes us better physicians,” Amireh said. “It exposes us to different perspectives, different approaches and different experiences, and ultimately prepares us to think beyond any one institution.”