Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock is a 1-year ACGME-approved program within the Department of Anesthesiology. This fellowship is designed to provide a comprehensive education and hands-on experience in managing patients with a broad spectrum of pain conditions including acute pain, chronic pain, and cancer-related pain. As a fellow, individuals will become an integral part of the interdisciplinary team at the Center for Pain and Spine, gaining increasing autonomy in decision-making processes as their experience grows.

Each year, the program sees approximately 8,000 patients in the Pain Clinic and performs over 3,000 procedures, ranging from diagnostic evaluations and medical management to procedural therapies. Common procedures include diagnostic spine and nerve block techniques, neurolytic procedures, spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, implantable pump placements, and musculoskeletal interventions, utilizing both fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. The program emphasizes both practical experience and a robust didactic schedule to prepare fellows for independent practice and board certification in Pain Medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is structured to encompass a well-rounded experience in pain management, integrating a combination of clinical training, didactic sessions, and research opportunities. Rotations include substantial training in various disciplines such as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Palliative Medicine. The fellows also have the chance to engage in joint conferences with various specialties, enhancing their multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Additionally, fellows will participate in a comprehensive didactic schedule that includes morning conferences led by institutional experts and covers various topics such as practice management, business aspects of medicine, medicolegal issues, and specialized pain management techniques. This extensive training not only prepares fellows for independent practice but also for certification examinations.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship, with strong encouragement for fellows to participate in scholarly activities potentially culminating in publications. Opportunities may include involvement in ongoing clinical research, quality improvement projects, and collaborative endeavors with the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice. The program actively supports fellows in pursuing evidence-based projects that contribute to the advancement of pain management.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship takes pride in its collaborative and collegial atmosphere, fostering a culture of learning and professional improvement. The program’s graduates are prepared for successful careers in both academia and private practice. Each year, four fellows are accepted into the program, which operates in a multidisciplinary environment, supported by the expertise of a diverse faculty passionate about pain management education.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support options for international medical graduates (IMGs), typically sponsoring J-1 visas. This allows qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and participate fully in the fellowship program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including the necessity to be eligible for the American Board of Anesthesiology Pain Medicine Board Certification or the American Medical Specialties Pain Medicine Board Certification examination at the conclusion of their fellowship. All applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) during the designated application period.

Required application materials include a curriculum vitae, dean's letter, medical school transcripts, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and USMLE transcripts (with ECFMG certification required for applicable candidates). The program also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, promoting a commitment to equity within the educational environment.

Living in the Upper Valley

The fellowship year takes place in the picturesque Upper Valley region, known for its cultural richness and outdoor recreational opportunities. The local environment encourages an active lifestyle with various activities like hiking, skiing, and biking, enhancing the overall fellowship experience.