Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to provide comprehensive pain management in various settings. The program operates out of multiple renowned facilities, including the University Medical Center, Touro Infirmary, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, among others. This diversity of clinical settings allows fellows to encounter a wide variety of patient populations and complex pain conditions, enhancing their learning experiences.

The program emphasizes a robust curriculum that integrates both clinical practice and academic learning. During the fellowship, which spans one year, participants engage in a wide array of clinical rotations designed to cover outpatient and inpatient care across different medical facilities, thus honing their expertise in pain medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows have the opportunity to participate in outpatient interventional pain medicine procedures, including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and spinal cord stimulation trials. These procedures are critical for managing chronic pain patients and enhancing their quality of life. The program also includes unique experiences such as:

• Continuity Clinics conducted at the VA Medical Center, where fellows gain ongoing patient management experience.
• Participating in educational activities including case presentations and journal clubs that foster the development of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice skills.
• Access to numerous medical libraries and educational resources, which greatly support their academic and practical learning.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the fellowship, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to the field of pain medicine. The program fosters a collaborative research environment where residents can work on interdisciplinary projects, which are supervised by faculty mentors. Fellows are expected to present their research findings at local and national conferences, thereby enhancing their professional visibility and academic profiles.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship Program at LSU distinguishes itself through its commitment to training in a multidisciplinary environment. Fellows benefit from exposure to various specialties, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, neuropathology, and psychiatry, thereby broadening their understanding of pain management from multiple perspectives. The interprofessional setting also supports the inclusion of diverse treatment modalities, such as physical therapy and psychological support.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates. Furthermore, the program values diversity and encourages International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to apply. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive ERAS application, including a medical school transcript, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and a minimum of three letters of reference, one of which should come from the applicant’s residency program director. It is recommended that applicants have completed their residency within the last two years to enhance their competitiveness for this fellowship.

Visa Support

The Pain Medicine Fellowship Program provides support for visa applicants and is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, making the program accessible to international medical graduates who meet the application criteria.

Training Sites

The training sites encompass a mix of academic and community settings, allowing fellows to gain a comprehensive understanding of pain management across diverse patient demographics:

• University Medical Center New Orleans
• Touro Infirmary
• Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
• New Orleans VA Medical Center
• Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Each site offers unique patient populations and treatment challenges, preparing fellows to become adept in managing complex pain conditions.

Educational Conferences

All fellows are allotted paid leave to attend educational conferences and board examinations, ensuring that they are well-prepared and can stay current with advancements in the field of pain medicine. They also have free admission to relevant conferences, such as the Southern Pain Society's Annual Regional Conference.