University of California Irvine Program

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Analyst Verified · Oct 3, 2026

University of California Irvine Program

University of California Irvine Program is a residency program specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, located in Orange, California, directed by Bi-Ying Yeh, MD and coordinated by Susan Downing. The program accepts applications through October 15, 2027. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (714) 456-6444. 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

UC Irvine PM&R is a university-based, four-year (PGY-2 through PGY-4) academic program built around a multi-site model that blends tertiary academic care at UCI Medical Center (a Level I trauma center with burn, stroke, and cancer centers) with VA Long Beach and MemorialCare Long Beach for spinal cord injury, pediatrics, and musculoskeletal training. Structured research is embedded throughout residency via the AAP-partnered "Badges Project," a longitudinal self-directed research curriculum supported by faculty working in stem cell/regenerative medicine, robotics, and neurorecovery, reflecting a genuine (not incidental) research infrastructure. Graduate outcomes are fellowship-heavy, dominated by interventional pain and musculoskeletal/sports fellowships with occasional spinal cord injury and pediatric rehab placements, alongside some direct-to-practice and academic outcomes. The program emphasizes procedural breadth (EMG, ultrasound-guided injections, botulinum toxin, prosthetics/orthotics) across varied practice settings (private-sector, academic, VA) and values residents who engage with its structured research pathway and pursue subspecialty procedural fellowships.

Who it fits

An applicant with a demonstrated interest in musculoskeletal or interventional procedural medicine who has engaged in structured, mentored research projects and is aiming toward a competitive pain, sports, or spinal cord injury fellowship after residency.

Research intensity

Strong - a mandatory three-year research plan and nationally recognized Badges Project curriculum make research a structured, expected component of training.

Career orientation

Mixed - Fellowship, Community Practice

Important

At least one letter of recommendation should be from a physiatrist (or PM&R supervisor/advisor).

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