Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Jacksonville) Program

The Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, is a one-year program designed to provide advanced training in regional anesthesiology and acute pain management. The fellowship offers a curriculum that is tailored to meet educational goals and includes specialized training experiences, robust clinical exposure, and significant opportunities for research and teaching.

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship's curriculum encompasses a wide range of skills associated with regional anesthesiology. Each fellow personally performs approximately 1,000 blocks, including upper extremity, lower extremity, and paravertebral catheters, while supervising around 500 blocks performed by residents. This extensive hands-on experience is complemented by a strong emphasis on academic instruction, with fellows having one dedicated nonclinical day per week to focus on scholarly activities and research. The program is particularly noted for its commitment to fostering academic proficiency, aiming for each fellow to achieve publication in indexed, peer-reviewed journals 1.

Training Experience

Fellows have access to leading clinical, educational, and research resources. Throughout the training experience, there is a focus on maintaining a healthy work/life balance, supported by both the clinic's infrastructure and a vibrant local community. Enhanced academic engagement is encouraged through relationships with seasoned educators and access to visiting professors, who bring diverse expertise and insights into anesthesiology and pain management 2.

Clinical Training

The program includes a dedicated two-week rotation at Wolfson Children's Hospital, where fellows gain pediatric acute pain medicine and regional anesthesiology experience. There is also a two-week rotation within the Department of Pain Medicine, allowing fellows to evaluate chronic pain patients. Additionally, fellows are engaged in didactic training, which includes journal clubs, morbidity and mortality conferences, mock oral exams, subspecialty lectures, and simulation training, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience 3.

Research Training

Research training is a pivotal aspect of the fellowship. Clinical research efforts are supported by dedicated research nurses who assist fellows in understanding research methodologies, alongside guidance for submitting and executing research projects within Mayo Clinic's esteemed network. This preparation enhances the fellows' capabilities, enabling them to pursue academic careers upon completion 4.

Application Process and Requirements

Three positions are available each year, awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible candidates must have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency. The application must be submitted through SF Match, with interviews typically occurring from March to May each year. Important application aspects include having successfully completed an accredited residency program, as well as adherence to program-specific application materials 5.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to sponsor visas for eligible international medical graduates, including J-1 visas and H-1B visas. This support is critical for foreign physicians seeking to undertake fellowship training in the United States 6.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates with strong clinical backgrounds. The program supports a diverse applicant pool, including both US and international medical graduates. It is noteworthy that applicants are evaluated on a holistic basis rather than single exam scores alone 7.

Teaching Opportunities

Fellows at Mayo Clinic are presented with teaching opportunities, wherein they engage with medical students and residents from various disciplines, fostering a collaborative learning environment. These teaching experiences are structured to enhance both the fellows' educational skills and the overall training landscape at Mayo Clinic 8.

Career Development

Graduates of the fellowship often find career opportunities within Mayo Clinic's practice sites, emphasizing the institution's dedication to retaining and nurturing its talent. The program provides ample opportunities for fellows to engage in administrative experiences, further enriching their careers in anesthesiology 9.