Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine Program in Pain Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship that is accredited by the ACGME. The program is designed to train six fellows annually in the intricate art of pain management through a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses various interventional and medical techniques. The multifaceted curriculum addresses conditions requiring advanced anesthetic and pain management modalities, equipping fellows with essential skills for their future practices.

The fellowship focuses on a wide range of interventional procedures which include, but are not limited to: somatic and sympathetic blocks, neurolytic blocks, spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, intrathecal implants, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Furthermore, fellows will be introduced to innovative techniques such as basivertebral nerve ablation as a part of their training. This hands-on experience is complemented by a rich didactic component designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the science behind pain management practices 1.

Participation in both clinical and translational research is highly encouraged, contributing to the advancement of the field and promoting an investigative mindset among fellows. Fellows are immersed in a stimulating environment that fosters learning and collaboration, which is essential for developing competent and ethical pain management specialists 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship is structured around six main clinical rotations, ensuring that fellows gain diverse experience:

• Continuity Outpatient Pain Clinic at Emory University Hospital Midtown
• Neurology and psychiatry approaches to pain management
• Cancer and palliative care with an emphasis on geriatric pain management
• Grady Memorial Hospital Pain Clinic
• Emory Spine Clinic
• Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Pain Clinic

Fellows have dedicated time for managing acute, chronic, and cancer pain patients through call responsibilities at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown, providing them with practical, real-world experience 1.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Qualified candidates for the Emory Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship are physicians who have completed residency training in anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or psychiatry, and are eligible for board examinations. Applicants must possess a Georgia temporary training permit or a full Georgia medical license to practice medicine. The application process begins on January 1 of the year prior to the fellowship start date with a set of required documents that includes:

• Curriculum vitae
• A personal statement
• Dean’s letter from medical school
• Three to four letters of recommendation, including one from the current Program Director
• Copies of all USMLE Step 1, 2, and 3 board scores
• Copy of ECFMG certificate (if applicable)

Upon selection, a set of additional documents including diplomas, visa documentation (if applicable), and ACLS/BLS certifications will be required 1.

Clinical Training Sites

Pain medicine fellows are primarily trained at several key clinical sites under the auspices of Emory University, including:

• Emory University Hospital Midtown
• Emory University Hospital
• Grady Memorial Hospital
• Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
• Emory Clinic
• Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center
• Atlanta VA Medical Center

These environments provide fellows with exposure to a broad array of patient cases, facilitating comprehensive training necessary for effective pain management and consultation 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international applicants. Fellows may be supported in obtaining J-1 or H-1B visas, which allow foreign medical graduates to participate in the fellowship training. However, applicants should ensure they meet necessary language and legal eligibility requirements for these visa types.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is considered highly competitive, catering not only to graduates of MD programs but also to those with a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) background and international medical graduates (IMGs). The emphasis on various board-certified backgrounds enhances the diversity and competitiveness of the fellowship cohort.