George Washington University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Pain medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5301004010The George Washington University offers a prestigious, one-year ACGME accredited Pain Medicine Fellowship through the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. The program is designed to train proficient leaders in Pain Medicine, preparing them to work competently within a multidisciplinary, diverse, and patient-centered environment. The fellowship emphasizes innovative practice, academic engagement, and the exploration of multidisciplinary care paradigms across a wide spectrum of patient populations, including pediatric patients.
Fellows will have the unique opportunity to engage in clinical practice at three main training sites: the George Washington University Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, and the District of Columbia Veterans' Affairs Hospital. This diverse experience is pivotal as it allows fellows to encounter a comprehensive range of clinical scenarios, enhancing their breadth of knowledge and practical skills in pain management.
During their fellowship, GW Pain Medicine fellows will be involved in various clinical rotations, including outpatient practice at the GW Spine and Pain Center and the GW Ambulatory Surgery Center, as well as inpatient chronic and acute pain medicine consults. The curriculum also incorporates several electives, allowing fellows to gain insights into related fields such as Neurology, Palliative Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and Pediatric Pain Medicine.
The Neurology rotation includes exposure to headache clinics, spasticity clinics, and neurophysiologic testing, further establishing a comprehensive understanding of pain across different specialties. A longitudinal clinical exposure component entails in-depth experiences such as neuroimaging and an opioid use disorder clinic. Additionally, fellows have the option of taking on an extra week of elective focusing on specific areas such as research, complementary medicine, addiction medicine, neuroradiology, and health policy.
The fellowship's rigorous didactic curriculum requires fellows to engage actively in case presentations, contribute to journal club discussions, and present at national meetings. Such activities are designed to support a well-rounded educational experience compliant with ACGME standards. Moreover, participation in patient safety and quality improvement activities is mandatory, as is the education of residents and medical students, which enriches the fellows' learning experience.
Research involvement is highly encouraged, and fellows are expected to complete a project under faculty guidance. Funding is allocated to support the presentation and publication of research endeavors, underscoring the program's commitment to academic excellence.
Regarding application requirements, candidates for the Pain Medicine Fellowship must hold a degree from a medical school accredited by either LCME (for U.S. medical schools) or AOA (for osteopathic schools), or be graduates of an internationally recognized medical school. A current ECFMG certificate is required for international graduates. There are no minimum USMLE score requirements or specific year of graduation constraints, although a minimum of three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director or a direct supervisor, are mandatory. An interview is also a requisite part of the application process.
The program is classified as moderately competitive, welcoming applications from both osteopathic and international medical graduates, reflecting an inclusive approach when considering candidates from diverse medical backgrounds. Visa support is also a priority, with the program able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible applicants.
The fellowship's structure not only focuses on clinical competence and practical application but also emphasizes the significance of research and academic contributions within pain medicine, preparing fellows for a future in both clinical practice and academia.
In summary, the GW Pain Medicine Fellowship stands out for its comprehensive approach to training, integration of multidisciplinary care, and commitment to fostering research and academic contributions in the field of pain medicine.
Website
Director
Sina Davari Farid, MDDirector Pain Medicine Faculty Appointed Since January 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
60hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,905First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
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