Howard University Program

Family Medicine Analyst Verified · Sep 27, 2026

Howard University Program

Howard University Program is a residency program specializing in Family Medicine, located in Washington, District of Columbia, directed by Billie Downing, MD and coordinated by Anika Gordon. The program accepts applications through December 12, 2026 and holds an accreditation status of Continued. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (202) 865-6563. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

Howard University's Family Medicine Residency, one of the nation's earliest such programs (est. 1970), is an HBCU-affiliated academic program in Washington, DC with an explicit mission to train physicians for the underserved DC metropolitan population, integrating an active medical student clerkship that gives residents regular teaching and mentorship roles. Faculty expertise spans health policy, primary care sports medicine, public health, and addiction medicine, giving residents structured exposure to these focus areas alongside a longitudinal, comprehensive-care curriculum built on ACGME requirements and a 100% five-year board pass rate. Career outcomes are broad, with graduates entering outpatient practice, hospitalist medicine, academic family medicine, and fellowships (geriatrics, hospice/palliative care, sports medicine, emergency medicine, surgical obstetrics), indicating the program values well-rounded competency across all practice settings rather than a single fellowship pipeline. The program explicitly favors applicants who show demonstrated interest in family medicine, community service, and research experience, reflecting a mission-driven identity rooted in health equity and community engagement.

Who it fits

An applicant with a demonstrated track record of community service and work with underserved populations, who seeks broad-spectrum family medicine training with flexible options toward fellowship or academic practice rather than a single predetermined career path.

Research intensity

Moderate - research experience is listed as a preference criterion but not central to the program's identity or curriculum.

Career orientation

Mixed - Community Practice, Academic Medicine, Fellowship

Important

The program states preference for demonstrated interest in Family Medicine and community service in addition to research experience.

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