Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Program

The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pediatric Pain Medicine Fellowship program recognizes the critical need for specialized care tailored to pediatric patients suffering from chronic pain. The fellowship aims to cultivate clinical experts who are well-versed in multidisciplinary pain management, patient education, and leadership within the community.

Program Structure

This ACGME-accredited twelve-month fellowship program includes an intensive clinical rotation schedule where fellows are immersed in both pediatric and adult pain medicine environments. The fellowship’s design includes 31 weeks at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and 21 weeks at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience across different healthcare settings.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum comprises 48 weeks of clinical training supplemented by 4 weeks of personal time off. Pediatric pain management training encompasses various subspecialty rotations:

Pediatric Rotations

Fellows engage in critical rotations such as:

• Perioperative/Surgical Pain Service: Focused on acute pediatric perioperative pain management requiring skills in ultrasound-guided procedures and multimodal pain management.
• Medical Pain Service: Involves working with chronic pediatric pain patients, managing multidisciplinary teams, and coordinating care that incorporates rehabilitation practices.
• Child Psychiatry and Neurology: These rotations teach the intersection of chronic pain with psychiatric and neurological conditions, facilitating comprehensive patient assessments.

Additionally, fellows gain exposure to Rehabilitation Medicine and Palliative Care, emphasizing holistic approaches to pain perception and treatment.

Adult Pain Medicine Training

At the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, fellows are trained in adult pain management, featuring outpatient clinics that provide a mix of tertiary care and private practice experiences. Notable components include:

• Outpatient Pain Clinic: Fellows take on significant responsibilities for patient management and continuity of care.
• Interventional Pain Management: Focus on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, providing hands-on experience with advanced pain relief techniques.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have the opportunity to engage in academic research aimed at advancing pediatric pain management practices. The program encourages fellows to develop their research skills and become advocates for pediatric patients' needs on various levels from local to international.

Eligibility and Application Process

The fellowship is competitive, with two positions available annually. Eligible applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Anesthesiology or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, hold board eligibility or certification in anesthesiology or PM&R, and possess or be able to obtain an unrestricted Ohio medical license. It is important to note that U.S. citizenship, permanent resident status, or possession of a J-1 visa is required at the time of application.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several key documents via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A Personal Statement detailing interest in the field
• Letters of recommendation, including from a residency director and relevant faculty
• Medical School diplomas and transcripts
• USMLE/COMLEX scores

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates, with the option of sponsoring J-1 visas. Fellows sponsored under J-1 visas are provided with the appropriate documentation and support throughout the application process.

Training Environment

Cincinnati Children's Hospital fosters an educational ambiance grounded in collaboration and innovative practices, encouraging fellows to engage proactively in their training. The institution is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating professional learning opportunities that reflect a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Conclusion

Graduates of this fellowship emerge as well-rounded professionals, prepared for independent practice, capable of leading pediatric pain medicine initiatives, and equipped to contribute valuable insights to the field through research and advocacy.