Loyola University Medical Center Program

The Pain Medicine Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center is a dedicated twelve-month program designed for CA-4 (PGY-5) trainees and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This comprehensive fellowship prepares anesthesiology physicians for the complexities of pain management through an extensive curriculum that combines didactic instruction with practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes the multifaceted treatment of various pain syndromes, including acute (post-operative), chronic, and oncologic pain. Trainees will gain proficiency in a range of pain management techniques, including but not limited to:

• Nerve blocks
• Fluoroscopic-assisted nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Spinal cord stimulators and implantable pumps
• Peri-spinal opioid therapy

Additionally, fellows will learn about the medical aspects involving opioids, anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Beyond pharmacological treatments, the fellowship incorporates other modalities such as bio-feedback, physical and occupational therapy, exercise therapy, psychotherapy, and complementary medicine, thus fostering a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

Clinical Experience

Fellows primarily train at the Pain Management Center located within the Loyola Outpatient Center, with additional opportunities to treat patients at other specialized locations, including the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and various Loyola Medicine facilities. This exposure enables fellows to develop a holistic approach to patient care, collaborating with specialists in psychiatry, physical rehabilitation, neurology, palliative care, oncology, and radiology.

Training and Conferences

The fellowship also emphasizes continued education through attendance at pain management and regional anesthesia review courses, such as those conducted by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) and the American Pain Society, among others. These experiences are designed to enhance fellows' clinical acumen and knowledge base through engagement with current industry practices and advancements.

Research Opportunities

Participation in ongoing clinical or laboratory research is expected and considered a vital component of the fellowship. All fellows are encouraged to submit abstracts for presentation at relevant meetings, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of pain management practices and contribute to the field's body of knowledge.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Pain Medicine Fellowship at Loyola is inclusive and supportive of international applicants. The program provides visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGs) to apply for the fellowship.

Regarding competitiveness, the program is known to be highly competitive, yet it remains friendly to DO and IMG applicants, allowing for diverse training backgrounds and perspectives within the fellowship cohort.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be aware of specific application requirements, which may include a maximum number of failed STEP examinations and considerations around the year of graduation from medical school. Carefully reviewing these prerequisites is crucial for a successful application to the fellowship.

Professional Development

The Pain Medicine Fellowship aims to nurture future leaders in the field of anesthesia and pain management, focusing on comprehensive assessment and compassionate care for patients suffering from pain. The depth and diversity of training provided at Loyola University Medical Center prepare fellows for a successful career, whether they choose to enter academia or private practice.