Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for managing acute pain and administering regional anesthesia. The fellowship is a post-residency opportunity intended for those who have completed an anesthesia residency program.

The program includes rotations at various clinical sites including IU Health University Hospital, Sydney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children, and IU Health Meridian South Surgery Center. This diverse training environment facilitates exposure to a broad array of patient populations and clinical experiences, which is vital in preparing fellows to handle various surgical procedures effectively 1.

Rotation Structure

The training schedule consists of 13 four-week blocks, which include:

• Acute Pain Medicine: 4 blocks (primarily at University Hospital)
• Regional Anesthesia: 4 blocks (primarily at Eskenazi Hospital)
• Chronic Pain Management: 1 block (IUH Chronic Pain Practice)
• Research: 1 block (across all practice sites)
• Outpatient Month: 2 blocks (Meridian South Surgery Center)
• Pediatric RAAPM: 1 block (Riley Hospital)

Fellows benefit from this structured schedule that encompasses both clinical training and research components, vital for their educational experience and career development 1.

Didactic Training

An extensive didactic teaching program supports fellowship training. This includes bi-weekly lectures from RAAPM faculty that cover critical topics related to acute pain and regional anesthesia. Moreover, fellows actively participate in the Acute Pain Management Journal Club and M&M Grand Rounds, enhancing their scholarly activity. Furthermore, a monthly anesthesia cadaver review session is held to integrate anatomical knowledge with practical techniques 1.

Clinical Responsibilities and Benefits

Fellows have clinical commitments predominantly on weekdays, with no weekend calls expected. They will have call responsibilities for two weeks during each block at University Hospital, extending until 8 PM on weekdays. The salary and benefits are aligned with the PGY-5 resident level at Indiana University and include health insurance, vacation days, and allocation for attending meetings related to their research component 1.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a completed application through a common national system along with their Curriculum Vitae and two to three letters of recommendation. The application period lasts from October through May, while interviews are conducted between March and June each year. While the program welcomes various applicants, including those from international backgrounds, specific rules regarding eligibility, such as maximum failed STEP exam attempts, may apply 1. Visa sponsorship is also available for eligible applicants requiring assistance in obtaining work authorization in the U.S.

Program Competitiveness and Support for International Applicants

The fellowship program is recognized as competitive, with a balanced approach towards candidates from MD or DO backgrounds, including those from international medical schools. The program’s comprehensive structure and diverse training sites ensure that every fellow is well-prepared for a successful career in regional anesthesia and acute pain management 1.

Training Environment and Facilities

Training primarily occurs across significant medical facilities, allowing for vast clinical exposure. At IU Health University Hospital, fellows engage with an acute pain service that treats complex surgical patients, while Eskenazi Hospital provides experiences in a high-volume trauma setting. This varied exposure is particularly beneficial for mastering the complexities involved in managing different surgical and procedural pain scenarios 1.