Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/West Program

The Pain Management Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside is a 12-month interdisciplinary training program certified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in the field of pain medicine. This program is designed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of various pain management techniques across multiple medical specialties.

Each year, the program accepts four fellows. The fellowship largely emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, integrating knowledge and skills from key departments, including Neurology, Physiatry, Psychiatry, and Palliative Care. The objective is to provide a rounded and extensive educational experience encompassing various pain-related disorders and treatment strategies. Upon completion, fellows who are board certified in their primary specialty can sit for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) Pain Medicine Certification Examination.

The Pain Management Fellowship is situated at a dynamic practice site located in Manhattan’s West Side, where fellows will encounter a wide spectrum of pain conditions ranging from common issues such as radiculopathies and arthropathies to less common ailments like craniofacial neuralgias and complex regional pain syndromes.

Clinical Training

Fellows undergo extensive training in a variety of outpatient procedures, which is critical for developing practical skills in managing pain. This includes procedures such as epidural steroid injections (interlaminar, transforaminal, caudal), medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablations, and joint injections among others. The training experience is enriched through clinical exposure at multiple facilities including Mount Sinai West, Mount Sinai Morningside, and Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn.

Application Process

The application process to the Pain Management Fellowship involves participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Electronic Residency Application Service Pain Medicine Match. Four trainee positions are available, and applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the matching procedure to enhance their understanding of the selection process.

In support of our fellows, the program offers guaranteed subsidized housing conveniently located across from Mount Sinai West. This housing is within walking distance of significant landmarks like Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and Central Park, providing convenience and enriching experiences during the fellowship.

Fellowship Schedule

The fellowship experience involves a structured rotation schedule comprising consults, procedures, office duties, and float responsibilities. The consult rotation helps fellows develop the skills necessary for diagnosing and managing acute and chronic pain conditions in an inpatient setting, while also focusing on acute catheter management in the perioperative context.

In the procedure rotation, fellows enhance their procedural skills and learn integral components of patient care pre- and post-procedure. Training in comprehensive patient assessments, opioid management, and documentation skills is primary during the office rotation, highlighting the importance of effective communication and accurate medical record-keeping.

Additionally, fellows are exposed to diverse subspecialties including psychiatry, physiatry, and palliative care, ensuring a holistic approach to pain management. A unique feature of the program includes completing a research project, allowing fellows to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to the field.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to be rigorous, encompassing an intensive didactic program including journal club meetings and simulation training that prepares fellows for the ABA Pain Medicine Board Certification Exam. Each fellow is expected to contribute to journal club discussions by critically reviewing assigned articles, thereby fostering a culture of academic engagement and peer education.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is committed to supporting international medical graduates. Visa support is available, and the program is likely to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating an inclusive environment for candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The Pain Management Fellowship at Mount Sinai is considered competitive, welcoming applications from both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Specific application requirements may include being within a certain number of years post-graduation, as well as guidelines regarding the USMLE or COMLEX exam performances.