Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Multidisciplinary Anesthesia Pain Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited one-year post-residency program tailored for comprehensive training in chronic pain management. The program is predominantly conducted on the campus of IU Health University Hospital and the Roudebush VA Medical Center, with brief rotations at Riley Hospital for Children to address pediatric patient transition needs.

Fellows receive a robust training experience focused on interventional pain management, particularly for adult patients. This multidisciplinary approach allows fellows to rotate through various departments, enriching their understanding of chronic pain rehabilitation, palliative care, neurology, neuroradiology, and psychiatry and addiction, thereby fostering a comprehensive skill set in pain medicine 1.

Focused Training

Central to the program's curriculum is the emphasis on performing fluoroscopically directed interventional blocks at the same-day surgery center and VA pain suite. Fellows gain hands-on experience with advanced procedures, including Vertiflex and MILD procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis treatment, Kyphoplasty for vertebral fractures, and OsteoCool therapy for spinal metastatic disease 1. Additionally, fellows manage peripheral pain syndromes using Sprint PNS therapy, epidural steroid injections, and other advanced pain management techniques, including long-term intrathecal pumps and spinal stimulators.

The clinic exposure is designed to enhance fellows' understanding of various painful conditions, including follow-up care, suturing, wound checks, and complex stimulator programming. A rotation in neuroradiology sharpens analytical skills in interpreting spinal scans, crucial for effective collaboration with neurosurgeons and appropriate intervention strategies 1.

Work Schedule and Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship's structured work schedule consists of nine months focused on interventional pain and three months of rotations through physical medicine and rehabilitation, psychiatry, addiction, neurology, and radiation oncology. While clinical responsibilities are primarily on weekdays, fellows should also be ready to engage in phone consultations after hours and are encouraged to collaborate with faculty mentors on clinical research 1.

The didactic schedule fosters a profound understanding of interventional procedures and the neurophysiology of pain, addressing opioid management and various pain syndromes such as myofascial, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain. Weekly educational sessions include journal clubs and guest lectures 1. Essential textbooks like *Essentials of Pain Medicine* and *Atlas of Image Guided Intervention in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine* are utilized to support the learning process, along with resources to ensure fellows pass the pain boards.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are compensated at the PGY-5 resident level, with salaries and benefits including health insurance, vacation, and meeting days. Additional stipends are provided for research components, ensuring financial support during training 1.

Application Criteria and Competitiveness

Applicants for the fellowship must have successfully completed either an anesthesia or physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program. The program is competitive, providing a welcoming environment for both DO and IMG candidates. Although there are no publicly listed restrictions on failed STEP exams, applicants should present a solid academic and clinical background to enhance their chances of acceptance 1.

Visa Support

The fellowship offers visa support for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically sponsors J-1 visas, aligning with institutional policies and ACGME regulations, thus providing opportunities for eligible IMG candidates to participate in the fellowship 1.

In summary, the Multidisciplinary Anesthesia Pain Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine encompasses a rigorous, multifaceted training experience dedicated to building well-rounded pain specialists capable of addressing chronic pain complexities.