By bringing together the clinical excellence of Winston-Salem and High Point with the academic scale of Charlotte, the largest PM&R program in the Southeast, we are creating a premier destination for rehabilitation medicine. This unified structure allows us to more closely align our academic, clinical, and operational strategies to support excellence across the full spectrum of care.
Why Integration Matters
Unifying as a single academic department allows our faculty to move beyond geographic boundaries to:
- Elevate Education: Expand undergraduate and graduate medical education opportunities across all clinical sites.
- Accelerate Research: Use shared infrastructure and broader participation to drive innovation.
- Streamline Care: Improve patient access, quality, and continuity of care across North Carolina.
Leading this new chapter as Unified Departmental Chair is Vishwa S. Raj, M.D., who sees the integration as a catalyst for the program's evolution.
“This is a defining moment for our team,” says Dr. Raj. “By bridging our ability across three campuses, we aren't just growing, we’re amplifying our impact. I believe that when the best minds from Winston-Salem, High Point, and Charlotte work as one, we will set a new national standard for what’s possible in rehabilitation medicine.”
Key Milestones
- January 1, 2026: Transition of PM&R academic and operational reporting to the unified department.
- June 1, 2026: Finalization of operational models.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the PM&R faculty, advanced practice providers, and operational leaders for their dedication and partnership as we position this department to thrive as a national leader.