Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

The pain medicine fellowship at Loma Linda University Medical Center is a comprehensive one-year program designed to educate physicians with a robust scientific knowledge base in pain medicine. This program emphasizes rational medication selections and skills in procedural therapies. These therapies include peripheral nerve blocks, central nerve blocks, neurolytic nerve blocks, and implantable therapies. The fellowship operates within a multidisciplinary clinic that is staffed with acupuncturists, psychologists, and physical therapists, all under the guidance of highly specialized faculty physicians, including fellowship-trained anesthesiologists, physiatrists, and oro-facial pain specialists.

The fellowship year is classified as a PGY-5 position, and the program currently accepts five fellows each year. Candidates who have completed residency training in anesthesiology, physical medicine & rehabilitation, neurology, psychiatry, radiology, emergency medicine, and family medicine are encouraged to apply. Additional details can be found regarding the residency programs offered at Loma Linda University Medical Center 1.

Fellowship participants are required to engage in outside rotations, particularly at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center. This experience is focused on pain medicine procedures within the VA pain center. Furthermore, fellows will have the opportunity to attend the specialized workshop on implantation pain therapy provided by the Dannon-Miller Foundation Research. The program prides itself on a highly qualified pain research staff that is currently engaged in several clinical trials, which fellows are expected to participate in actively. This involvement in clinical research not only contributes to the fellows' education but also enables them to present research papers at both local and national levels.

The application process for the fellowship is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Interested applicants must have completed an ACGME-approved four-year residency program and hold a California medical license. Additionally, applicants must possess a DEA certificate, BLS, and ACLS certifications prior to the commencement of the fellowship. International medical graduates seeking admission must have ECFMG certification and a valid visa. The application package should include a complete curriculum vitae, a personal statement, a reference letter from the program director, two additional letters of reference, medical school transcripts, the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), and USMLE or COMLEX scores.

Once the application is reviewed, top candidates will be invited for a personal interview, thereby underscoring the competitive nature of the selection process. The program highly values individuals demonstrating strong qualifications and commitment to the field of pain medicine 2.

Visa Support and Application Specifications

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. A valid visa is a prerequisite for admission, ensuring that all fellows can participate in training and clinical duties without interruption.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

Admission to the program is notably competitive, catering to a diverse group of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Specific prerequisites include having completed an ACGME accredited residency and maintaining a strong performance in the USMLE or COMLEX examinations, with guidelines often set for maximum failed attempts.

Research Opportunities

Fellows at Loma Linda University receive unparalleled access to cutting-edge research in pain management. The participation in ongoing clinical trials is a significant requirement, promoting a scholarly approach to practice and enhancing the fellowship's academic rigor.