Louisiana State University (Shreveport) Program

The Clinical Pain Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport is a one-year program within the Department of Anesthesiology that is accredited by the ACGME. This fellowship focuses on a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to pain management and encompasses various aspects of patient care, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The program maintains a high standard, evidenced by a 100% board pass rate among its fellows in recent years. Two fellows are accepted each year, and the program is known for its competitive admission process.

This fellowship program is distinguished by its diverse clinical training opportunities. Fellows gain extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pain conditions, seeing approximately 4,000 clinic patients and performing over 1,000 procedures in the course of their training. The procedural and surgical volume is significant, with fellows performing between 10 to 40 procedures daily.

The training setting for the Clinical Pain Fellowship includes the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center and the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, where fellows engage with multidisciplinary teams that provide specialized care, particularly in cancer-related pain management.

The clinical curriculum is robust and feature-rich. Fellows participate in a wide variety of procedures such as spinal cord stimulator implants, peripheral nerve stimulator trials, intrathecal pump implantation, and various joint injections. The fellowship also incorporates education through daily lectures, one-on-one faculty interactions, and opportunities for fellows to present at national conferences.

Research is an integral component of the fellowship experience, with fellows expected to publish several manuscripts during their training. The program encourages participation in the Medtronic Fellowship Academy for hands-on workshops that enhance practical learning.

In terms of admission criteria, applicants must submit a fellowship application, three letters of recommendation, a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), USMLE Step scores, a personal statement, and a curriculum vitae. Graduates from various medical schools, including international medical graduates (IMGs), are welcome to apply. The program supports various types of visas, though specific visa types can vary, and support for immigration paperwork may depend on individual situations.

Fellows can also expect a balanced lifestyle, with weekends free from clinical duties, thus allowing for personal time and exploration of the Shreveport area, which boasts diverse cultural offerings.

The Clinical Pain Fellowship’s commitment to excellence in training is matched by the professionalism of its faculty. The faculty members have substantial experience and are recognized contributors to the field of pain medicine through publications and participation in major conferences, ensuring fellows are learning from leaders in the discipline.

Overall, this fellowship emphasizes a strong foundation in clinical skills, academic achievement in research, and a supportive mentoring environment, preparing fellows for successful careers in pain medicine.