FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A new medical residency program launching in Fresno aims to expand access to specialized care that helps patients improve function and quality of life across the Central Valley.
California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine has launched the region’s first Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)residency program in partnership with United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, focuses on diagnosing, evaluating and managing people of all ages with congenital or acquired physical and cognitive impairments, disabilities and functional limitations.
Officials from seven local organizations are holding a joint news conference to introduce the program, which is based in Fresno and uses a collaborative, multi-campus approach.
The residency is intended to address regional health care disparities by preparing resident physicians with the knowledge, experience and leadership to improve patient function and quality of life across the lifespan.
Physicians from seven organizations will educate residents in the program: California Health Sciences University, United Health Centers, San Joaquin Valley Rehab Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Children’s Hospital LA, Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Center and the VA Central California Health Care System.
The program has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, with approval to train up to six residents.
The first two second-year residents started this month.